Oklahoma Senate Overview of State Issues is designed to provide a convenient summary of budget and taxation issues that face Oklahoma's Legislature. Though full of factual groundwork, this book's goal is also to put issues in context.

Discussion begins with a brief overview of the state's economic conditions and population trends, since these dynamics so often serve as catalysts for change.

The state's tax structure is examined closely, beginning with an analysis of total taxation and how it compares with other states. Each major tax type is then presented in detail - how it is assessed, collected and spent under the law. Regional and national rate analyses are provided for each major tax type.

Overall expenditures are presented in a chapter that details the emergence of broad shifts in spending priorities. Recent bond issues for capital improvements are also highlighted.

Next is a series of chapters, each of which is dedicated to a major policy area that has been the subject of recent legislative deliberation and action. Subjects discussed included the programs and budgets of almost all major state agencies.

Where relevant, descriptions of issues include historical context and state-by-state comparisons. Programs and policies that at first may seem perplexing are more easily understood when viewed in historical context.

The information is by no means comprehensive. More information on a particular topic can be obtained by contacting the Senate staff analysts listed on the dividing page of each chapter.

These files are in .pdf format. The freely available Adobe Acrobat reader is required to view and print .pdf files.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

State Economy and Demographics

The Oklahoma Economy
Economic Output
Population
Employment and Income Trends

Staff Contact: Megan Williams (405) 521-5704

 

Oklahoma Taxes

State Revenue Mix
Growth in State Revenue
Revenue Growth and Projections
Comparison of Revenue Mix: 1982 vs. 2000
Comparing State-by-State Tax Levels
Tax Cut Initiatives
Income Taxes
Sales and Use Taxes
Gross Production Taxes
Property Taxes in Oklahoma
Motor Fuels Taxes

Staff Contact: Caroline Dennis (405) 521-5685
Megan Williams (405) 521-5704

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State Expenditures

State Appropriated Budget
Capital Budget and Bond Issues
State Government Debt Comparisons

Staff Contact: Tom Walls (405) 521-5766
Amanda Paliotta (405) 521-5601
Robert Thompson (405) 521-5741
Jan Young (405) 521-5779

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Common Education

Appropriations for Public Schools
Public School Reform Initiatives
Early Childhood Education
Student Testing
Technology

Staff Contact: Claudia San Pedro (405) 521-5773

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Post-Secondary Education

Higher Education
Career and Technology Education (Vo-Tech)

Staff Contact: Claudia San Pedro (405) 521-5773

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Transportation

Background
HB 1629 (ROADS Plan)
GARVEE Bonds
Funding for State Highways
Funding for County Roads
State Road and Bridge System Statistics
Highway Safety

Staff Contact: Terry McKenna (405) 521-5766

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Medicaid

Financing
Medicaid Eligibility
Medicaid and Managed Care
Services Provided by Medicaid

Staff Contact: Randy Dowell (405) 521-5769

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Department of Human Services

Decentralization
Funding
Organization

Staff Contact: Terri White (405) 521-5672

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Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Background on Mental Health Changes
DMHSAS Overview
Program Overview

Staff Contact: Terri White (405) 521-5672

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Department of Health

Organization of the Public Health System
Funding Trends
Services Provided by OSDH

Staff Contact: Randy Dowell (405) 521-5769

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Rehabilitation Services

Department of Rehabilitation Services
Programs
DRS Budget

Staff Contact: Terri White (405) 521-5672

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Corrections

Department of Corrections Budget
Profile of Oklahoma Prisoners

Staff Contact: K.C. Moon (405) 521-5696

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Juvenile Justice

Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA)
Office of Juvenile Affairs Programs
Juvenile Crime and Recidivism
Office of Juvenile Affairs Budget

Staff Contact: Terri White (405) 521-5672

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Agriculture

Agricultural Prices
Rural Oklahoma
Legislative Initiatives Relating to Agriculture

Staff Contact: Robb Gray (405) 521-5688

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Environment

Environmental Agency Responsibilities
Current Environmental Initiatives

Staff Contact: Robb Gray (405) 521-5688

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Tourism

Tourism's Economic Impact
State Parks
State Golf Courses
State Resorts
Oklahoma Welcome Centers
"Oklahoma Today" Magazine
State Film Office
Travel and Tourism
Privatization of Tourism Facilities

Staff Contact: Robb Gray (405) 521-5688

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Rural Fire Defense

Rural Fire Defense Overview
Oklahoma Fire Departments
Funding Programs
Fire Service Training

Staff Contact: Robb Gray (405) 521-5688

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State Personnel Issues

State Personnel Issues Overview
Pay Raise History
State Employee Benefits Package
Retirement Benefits
Group Health Insurance Benefits

Staff Contact: Brian Phillips (405) 521-5627

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