Appropriations and Budget

Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, today announced that the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) would begin an investigation into spending concerns regarding the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). This investigation, approved by Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, and spearheaded by Wallace in his capacity as Chairman of LOFT, will focus on issues raised by both legislators and private citizens regarding alleged OSDE funding disbursement issues. "In my capacity as Chairman, I intend to have LOFT investigate funding disbursement concerns raised by both citizens and legislators in regard to funds earmarked to OSDE for specific purposes," Wallace said. "This isn’t about Superintendent Walters; this is about the transparency of a State Agency and getting answers for our constituents. When the Legislature approves funding for a specific purpose, it is incumbent on the agency to which those funds are allocated to spend them properly and in a timely manner. If there are issues with disbursements being made, that information should be communicated to the Legislature well before schools are incumbered. I look forward to using the processes and procedures available within LOFT to address the concerns that have been raised with OSDE funding, and will conduct a thorough, transparent investigation to provide answers to my fellow legislators and the citizens of Oklahoma." "LOFT is designed to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly by state agencies, making them the ideal entity to examine any concerns related to spending at OSDE," McCall said. "This investigation by LOFT allows us to address these concerns efficiently without the need for a costly special legislative session. I trust that Chairman Wallace, and LOFT, will conduct a comprehensive review that will provide clarity on the issues at OSDE and offer solutions to ensure that taxpayer funds are managed appropriately. I fully support this process. Additionally, my office will be sharing all relevant information with Attorney General Gentner Drummond regarding any potential violations of the Open Records or Open Meeting Acts by OSDE. We are committed to transparency, and the findings from this investigation will be made available to the public.” LOFT is a state agency in the legislative branch that assists the Oklahoma House and Senate. LOFT provides budgetary recommendations to the LOFT Oversight Committee for use in setting the funding of state government, higher education, and public schools.

A measure dedicating $50 million toward modifications and upgrades along the Arkansas River passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives Tuesday. House Bill 2890 appropriates $50 million from the Progressing Rural Economic Prosperity (PREP) Fund to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The monies would be used for upgrades to the levees along the Arkansas River and feeder waterways in Northeast Oklahoma. The measure was presented on the House floor by Rep. Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks, who has worked on numerous pieces of legislation related to hazard mitigation. "The passage of House Bill 2890 marks a crucial step toward safeguarding our communities and assets from potential flood risks," Sims said. "By investing in these much-needed upgrades to the Arkansas River levees, we are not only protecting the lives and property of thousands of Oklahomans but also ensuring that we don't miss out on significant federal funds to enhance our infrastructure. This proactive approach is essential for the long-term safety and prosperity of Northeast Oklahoma." Sims has said previously that action was needed immediately to capitalize on a $137.4 million in federal matching funds to repair the levees along the Arkansas River in Tulsa County. The levee system has been ranked in the top 5% most at risk for failure by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It's estimated that approximately 10,000 people and over $2 billion in assets are protected by the Arkansas River levees. HB2890 passed the Joint Committee on Appropriations & Budget on Monday. Sims said presenting the measure on Memorial Day held a special significance as Oklahomans remembered the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Mingo Creek flood, which killed 14 people and caused over $180 million worth of property damage.  HB2890 passed the House 87-0 and now moves to the Senate for consideration. It would take effect on July 1 at the start of Fiscal Year 2025.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives Appropriations & Budget Committee has approved legislation aimed at bolstering the Arkansas River Levees through the establishment of a revolving fund managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.  Senate Bill 1391, carried in the House by Rep. Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks, paves the way for the creation of the Arkansas River Levee Improvement Revolving Fund under the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. If signed into law, the $50 million fund would be used to improve the 20 miles of levees along the Arkansas River.  Levees, which are used to prevent the overflow of rivers, play an important role in maintaining safety infrastructure and protecting homes, businesses, and people.  Sims said prompt action is needed to capture the $137.4 million in federal matching funds to repair and replace the levees along the Arkansas River in Tulsa County, which have been ranked in the top 5% most at risk for failure in the United States by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "To quote one of my favorite movies, Apollo 13, 'failure is not an option,'" Sims said. "We have to capitalize on the opportunity now to repair and replace this critical infrastructure that is well beyond its engineering design life." An estimated 10,000 people and over $2 billion in assets are protected by these levees. "To put that in perspective, 87% of Oklahoma towns are less than 5,000 in population," Sims said. "So failure could very well be the equivalent of wiping two Oklahoma towns completely off the map." SB1391 passed the House Appropriations & Budget Committee 34-0. The bill, which was authored in the Senate by Sen. Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa, is now eligible to be heard on the House floor.