$12.59 billion Oklahoma budget bill heads to governor's desk
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma's $12.59 billion state budget bill for Fiscal Year 2026, House Bill 2766, is headed to the governor's desk for final approval after securing Senate approval on Thursday afternoon.
The latest budget bill, which passed in the Senate with a vote of 27 to 19, includes $312 million for the purchase of the Lawton Correction Facility from GEO Group and $27.4 million in supplemental funds for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Lawmakers agree on Oklahoma budget, could see income tax cut
Here are some of the most notable budget changes listed in the FY26 appropriations summary:
Department of Education: +$121.6 million (+3.15%)
Oklahoma Educational Television Authority: -$2.9 million (-49.1%)
Oklahoma Teacher's Retirement System: -$15.6 million (-3.21%)
Oklahoma Tax Commission: -$51 million (-59.88%)
Oklahoma Military Department: +$20.4 million (+89.91%)
Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics: -$45.4 million (-63.06%)
Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: +$16.2 million (+4.18%)
Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority: -$4.3 million (-10.19%)
Department of Veterans Affairs: -$4.1 million (-9.21%)
Department of Agriculture: -$16.1 million (-21.96%)
A full appropriations summary of the FY26 budget can be found here.
Several state lawmakers weighed in following the passing of the budget bill.
This budget is a reflection of Oklahoma's values—responsible, conservative, and focused on real results. We're prioritizing core services like education, mental health, public safety and infrastructure, while maintaining strong fiscal discipline. I'm proud of the Senate's work and the collaboration with our House colleagues to deliver a budget that supports families, strengthens communities and keeps Oklahoma taxpayers in mind. Now we send it to the governor's desk to move Oklahoma forward.
Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle)
This budget is a result of thoughtful collaboration between the House and Senate, and I am proud of the way we came together to put Oklahomans first. We've ensured strong investments in our students, state services and economic developments while keeping government spending restrained. This budget serves the needs of today while protecting the interests of future generations.
House Speaker Kyle Hilbert (R-Bristow)
Oklahoma Senate Democrats will always work the aisle to address real problems facing our state, ensuring all kids get a great education, access to health and mental health care, and great-paying jobs. But instead, we got a budget that prioritizes tax cuts that mostly benefit the very rich, more money for private school vouchers, and does nothing to address the everyday issues Oklahomans face. You deserve better.
Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City)
A thriving economy depends on a well-educated workforce, but once again, our public schools have been left behind while unaccountable voucher programs grow unchecked. When it comes to the budget, public education should be our highest priority. At a time when our schools continue to face a crisis in teacher shortages, we've not included so much as a cost-of-living increase while hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars continue to fund private schools. This budget fails our schools, our students, and our communities.
Senator Carri Hicks (D-Oklahoma City)
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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