Oklahoma

What Are the Budget Issues Facing Oklahoma?

In 2009, Oklahoma faces a $114 million budget gap representing 1.7% of the general fund. In 2010, Oklahoma is looking at an even greater $310 million shortfall, 4.7% of the general fund.

What the Federal Stimulus Proposal Will Mean for Children in Oklahoma

The economic stimulus recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the Obama Administration will provide significant investment in the health, education, and safety of America’s children over the next two years. It also provides significant support to their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:

• $960,000,000 in relief for Oklahoma’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income children and seniors.
• $472,800,000 in relief to the state of Oklahoma to prevent cuts to programs for school-aged children.
• $140,400,000 for the Title I academic achievement of the disadvantaged program.
• $148,100,000 services to children with disabilities in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
• $28,800,000 for other education programs in Oklahoma’s schools.
• $302,000,000 in food stamps for 438,000 Oklahoma men, women, and children.
• $12,400,000 in emergency shelter grants for 3,400 households.
• 168,000 Oklahoma children will benefit from the child tax credit provisions of the legislation.
• $30,158,652 in Emergency Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to provide child care to 5,380 Oklahoma children.
• An increase in unemployment benefits to 95,658 Oklahoma families.
• $9,200,000 in additional child support enforcement matching funds.
• $8,800,000 in youth training employment services.

How Have Oklahoma’s Senators Have Voted on Important Children’s Legislation in 2009?
James Inhofe (R)

Tom Coburn (R)

Sources: State Budget Information, Stimulus Information