Petition For Oklahoma Education Funding Passes Hurdle

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma voters will decide whether schools should get an extra $850 million a year.

A petition to fund Oklahoma's education system on a per-student basis that's based upon the regional average has passed its first hurdle.

Attorney Amanda Maxfield Green with Helping Oklahoma Public Education says the proposal will appear on the 2010 general election ballot unless a special election is called.

Last month, the organization submitted a petition to the secretary of state with 234,446 signatures on it. The proposal would add an amendment to the state constitution requiring the state Legislature to fund education at the same level as surrounding states.

On a per-student basis, Oklahoma spends about $6,900 per year. The group says the regional average is $8,300.

The State Chamber and Oklahomans for Responsible Government oppose the measure.