OK Legislature Passes the 2027 State Budget

OK Legislature Passes the 2027 State Budget

By: Representative Brad Boles

405-557-7405

As we move through this legislative session, I am excited to share that this week the legislature passed the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, which is now headed to the Governor's desk! This year’s budget totals $12.82 billion, which is only a 1.5% increase compared to the previous year's budget and finalizing it early in session puts us in a strong position to focus on the needs of our communities and the people we serve for the remainder of this legislative session.

Reaching a budget agreement requires many conversations, careful planning and a shared commitment by all to doing what is best for Oklahoma. I am proud of the work that went into this plan and the way it reflects the priorities of our state.

Education remains at the center of those priorities. Public schools are expected to receive about 51% of the state’s appropriated budget, with roughly $4.2 billion dedicated to kindergarten through 12th-grade education. This represents a $232 million increase over the current fiscal year. The Oklahoma Legislature has increased annual public education funding by more than $1.7 billion since March 2018 when I was first elected which accounts for a 73% increase in annual common public education funding, which is more than the previous 30 years combined.

Within this year's public education budget, we are including $100 million for salary step increases for certified staff, including teachers, school counselors and speech-language pathologists, along with $23.7 million to support educator health insurance so they don't have to pay these added health insurance increases out of their own paycheck. We are also directing $80 million toward reading and math programs to strengthen student learning and improve outcomes in the classroom as well as $50 million for schools to use on school security.

We are also mindful of the importance of caring for those who have already served our state. This budget includes a cost-of-living adjustment for most state retirees, with increases ranging from 3% to 6% depending on years in retirement. After years of working to stabilize our pension systems, we are still very committed to keeping them strong and dependable.

In addition to education, this budget makes meaningful investments in several areas. We are allocating $12 million to upgrade voting software to ensure our elections remain one of the most secure and reliable election systems of any state in the country. We are supporting economic growth through a $7.5 million investment in the Dawn Aerospace hangar and payload facility, helping strengthen Oklahoma’s position in the aerospace industry.

We are also addressing essential needs across the state, including $49 million to meet Medicaid requirements, $3.7 million for critical dam repairs and $10 million for REAP water grants to improve rural water systems.

Supporting our state's workforce remains a priority as well. This budget increases contributions to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, provides $15.2 million for state employee longevity pay and includes pay raises for court reporters, secretaries and bailiffs who play an important role in our court system.

Just as important, we have maintained strong state savings with around $3 billion in savings, which will help provide stability and a solid foundation as Oklahoma prepares to welcome a new governor. Responsible budgeting today helps ensure we are ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

As always, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve you and feel free to reach out if I can be of any assistance. My office phone is (405) 557-7405, and my email is brad.boles@okhouse.gov. God bless!

Rep. Brad Boles, a Republican, represents District 51 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes Grady and Stephens Counties.