Budget Briefing: Student Debt Following More Oklahomans Long After College

Student Debt Follows Growing Number of Borrowers Into Their 50s, 60s, Including in Oklahoma – “According to a recent study from nonprofit group Demos, state funding for higher education nationwide has increased about $10.5 billion since 1990, but funding per student has declined by about 26 percent in the same period, leaving students to make up the difference. That trend also exists in Oklahoma.” NewsOK.com

Big Savings: Medicaid Expansion Good for Oklahoma – An editorial in favor of Medicaid expansion under the ACA: “The Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s first estimates are that accepting the federal funding would save the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse $34 million, the Department of Corrections $11.2 million and the Health Department $2.4 million.” Tulsa World

Insurance Exchange Would Strain Oklahoma’s Budget – An editorial against Medicaid expansion under the ACA: “State budget directors are well aware of the fiscal dangers posed by Medicaid expansion. But expanding medical welfare isn’t the only aspect of the president’s health-overhaul law that would put a strain on Oklahoma’s state budget. Health insurance exchanges would too.” Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs

Tulsa Turned Down Free Safety Training Offers, Union Rep Says – “The city of Tulsa largely ignored offers of free safety training for years, even after it began looking for ways to reduce workers compensation costs, the head of the union that represents nonsworn city employees said last week.” Tulsa World