Senate Leaders Comment on Passage of Budget Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry, released the following statements after the state budget bill for Fiscal Year 2027 passed off the Senate floor today. 

The General Appropriations bill is the backbone of the state budget and sets the framework for state agency appropriations. The bill includes a $232 million increase in common education funding for teacher pay raises and initiatives to help young students learn to read and understand fundamental math skills. 

Additionally, the budget increases funding for health care, public safety and mental health services while also making targeted investments in critical infrastructure projects and economic development initiatives. It also puts millions toward investments in water infrastructure. 

Senate Bill 1177 passed the full Senate 28-to-17. It now advances to the House for further consideration.

“This budget represents the best interests of the citizens of the state of Oklahoma,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “I appreciate the budget teams in both the Senate and House for the long hours and consideration they put into crafting this budget. These are targeted investments in education, healthcare and mental health, while holding core services unharmed to provide for Oklahomans who need them. We are supporting teachers with a pay raise and putting money toward reading and math to ensure we are preparing our children for success in the next chapter of their lives.” 

Details of the proposed budget can be found on the Senate’s Budget Transparency Dashboard. 

“In passing this budget, the Senate has met its constitutional duty to deliver a balanced, fiscally responsible spending plan that funds essential services for Oklahoma taxpayers,” Hall said. “This proposal keeps government growth in check while putting 82% of new spending toward what matters most — public education, clean water and health and mental health services. Most importantly, this budget is an investment in a brighter future for Oklahoma and all Oklahomans.”

Additional budget bills, including budget limits bills for specific state agencies, are expected to come before the full Senate in the coming days.