Budget Briefing: Education Department Chastised for Withholding Funds

Oklahoma Education Department Slammed Over Withholding School Funds – “The Oklahoma State Department of Education on Thursday drew new criticism for withholding a record amount of state aid for anticipated growth, namely at virtual and charter schools.” Tulsa World

Tulsa Council Lends Support to Federal Online Sales-Tax Bill – “Tulsa city councilors unanimously approved a resolution Thursday supporting the pending federal Marketplace Equity Act, which, if enacted, would allow states to require most online retailers to collect sales taxes and remit them to the state.” Tulsa World

Tribes Want Federal Regulation of Internet Gaming – “With some states readying to start online gambling, Native American tribal leaders are calling on the federal government to step in as it did with brick-and-mortar gambling and establish regulations that ensure tribes get a piece of the action without having their revenue taxed and their sovereignty compromised.” Associated Press

Opening Oklahoma’s Budget-Writing Process Would Help Taxpayers, Avoid Controversy – Oklahoman Editorial: “The buck-passing blame game now under way wouldn’t be needed if the budget was truly crafted in public meetings. A simple review of the record would show who asked for what.” NewsOK.com