Oklahoma House Passes Fiscal Year 2014 Budget

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed House Bill 2301, the General Appropriations Budget for Fiscal Year 2014.

HB 2301 outlines a conservative plan for operating state agencies while providing increases for education, health, child welfare and infrastructure. The total fiscal budget is estimated at roughly $7.2 billion.

Key funding increases will include:

-          $91 million for common education

-          $44 million for the Department of Human Services to support operations, including the implementation of the Pinnacle Plan

-          $30 million to Maintenance of State Buildings Revolving Fund and $60 million for repairs and renovation of the State Capitol

“We have successfully created a sensible budget that does not increase the tax or debt burden on the people,” said House Speaker T.W. Shannon, R-Lawton. “Oklahoma will not go down the path of other states and spend away the people’s opportunity for prosperity.”

“This legislature has a duty to uphold core government services and to be good stewards of the taxpayers’ money and infrastructure,” said Rep. Scott Martin, R-Norman. “Today’s vote shows this chamber’s commitment to investing in our children’s future with a significant increase in common education and funds to maintain the projects we have asked the people to invest in.”

HB 2301 will now move on to the Senate Floor for approval.