Brian Crain: A Penny For Education Is A Penny For Oklahoma
A penny for education is a penny for Oklahoma
By SEN. BRIAN CRAIN
For more than a decade I have had the privilege of serving in the state Senate. My focus has been on the fundamentals of state government including the needs of public education. A quality education is essential for making Oklahoma the best state in the nation to work, to live and to raise a family.
Unfortunately, despite gains in some areas, our state still falls behind in a majority of indicators including student achievement, state spending, teacher pay, and educational opportunity. This is unacceptable, and it is a path that is untenable for our future economic security.
We must find a way to lift more of our citizens out of low-wage futures and into wealth-building careers. The best investment we can make to accomplish this is targeted investments in public education.
We know that better education correlates to a lower unemployment rate, higher salaries for graduates, and increased revenue for the state. A recent study by Battelle found for every $1 of direct higher education expenditures, an additional 71 cents is generated. Increased education is also associated with reduced use of state welfare programs, Medicaid, and decreased levels of criminality, anti-social behavior and associated costs.
Spoken like a true Democrat! Try the Republican way of a smaller bureaucracy….consolidate school districts and encourage efficiency in operations.
Raising taxes in the midst of a contraction in revenues is counter productive. Stop meddling in energy production and be more thrifty in spending.
By the way, what about term limited service? More than a decade in the Senate….please say goodbye.