The Oklahoma House has given final legislative approval to tap about $78 million from the state's Rainy Day Fund to boost funding for public schools and the prison system for rest of the current fiscal year.
The House voted Monday on two separate measures — one to appropriate $51 million to the Department of Education and another to direct $27.5 million to the Department of Corrections.
Durant Republican Dustin Roberts was among those asking Norman Republican Scott Martin questions about the education funding measure.
"The school districts are saying they're broke, but we are — currently $8.2 billion goes to education every year. I'd like to know if that money's making it to school districts, or is it staying up here in Oklahoma City?" Roberts said.
"Well, it was split up in two areas," Martin said. "One was to go back into our school districts through the [funding] formula, the other one would be through flex benefits."
Some Democrats opposed the supplemental funding bill for the prisons, arguing that about $17 million is being earmarked for contract beds with private prisons.
"Is that not corporate welfare at its most maximum, ultimate prototype?" said Warner Democrat Jerry McPeak.
"I don't know, representative; however, the $17 million was requested by the Department of Corrections, which is the state entity," said Sallisaw Republican John Bennett. "Now, if that's needed for the relief according to them, and they're the experts in this arena, then that's what we're going to give to them."
Prison officials have said they need the supplemental funding to pay for an estimated net increase of about 1,000 prisoners over the past year.
DOC spokesman Alex Gerszewski said their need was immediate.
"We needed this money now to stay afloat, which is what it's done, so it's greatly appreciated on our end," Gerszewski said.
Christy Watson with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association said they’re grateful but know a shortfall of $1.3 billion looms over next year.
"What we're hoping for is for a really important conversation to take place about what that long-term funding plan looks like," Watson said.
The Rainy Day Fund will have more than $300 million left, which lawmakers are already talking about needing the next two fiscal years.
