Is There ‘No Chance’ for Education Bond Proposal?
‘No Chance’ for Education Bond Proposal
By: M. SCOTT CARTER
A proposal to create bond-financed trusts for Oklahoma’s common and higher education systems will likely face a difficult path in the legislature, said veteran legislators on both sides of the aisle.
On Nov. 2, state Sen. Brian Crain called on the legislature to create two $2.5 billion, 30-year bond issues to “to secure permanent additional education funding.”
“While the investment will take about 30 years to pay off, the trusts that are created will be eternal,” said Crain, R-Tulsa. “They will last as long as the state of Oklahoma.”
However, Rep. Dennis Casey, a Republican from Morrison and vice chairman of the House Common Education Committee, suggested the idea might be misguided.
“I’m not sure how that would be received,” said. “I applaud him for doing that and I’m glad he wants to start a conversation about education funding, but there is a lot to consider.”