State regents look to future with new public agenda

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State regents said Monday they will push for a $500-million capital bond program in the next legislative session.<br/><br/>Chancellor Paul G. Risser says Oklahoma's public colleges

Monday, December 27th 2004, 10:14 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State regents said Monday they will push for a $500-million capital bond program in the next legislative session.

Chancellor Paul G. Risser says Oklahoma's public colleges and universities have not had a major statewide bond issue since 1992. Officials say many campus buildings are overcrowded, in disrepair or are outmoded.

The Oklahoma Legislature convenes in February.

Risser says regents also want to increase higher education's state appropriations to a level comparable to two years ago, when dramatic cuts were made.

The regents also want the Legislature to find a dedicated funding source for the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, a state scholarship program.