Oklahoma voters cool to calls for more spending on education

State Question 758 limited property tax increases and State Question 766 exempted intangible property from taxation. School officials opposed both measures, saying they reduced education funding. Oklahoma voters overwhelming approved both anyway.

49th is Not OK, a group seeking increased school funding, sought to oust legislators this year. Its recent forum mostly featured Democratic candidates. Republicans not only retained legislative control, but increased their majorities.

Those are only the latest defeats for promoters of tax-and-spend approaches to education. In 2010, an astounding 81 percent of voters rejected SQ 744, which would have required up to $1.7 billion in new school funding over three years.

In 2006, the Oklahoma Education Association sued to force a $1 billion annual increase in school appropriations and $3 billion more for infrastructure. That lawsuit was dismissed.

Advocates take comfort in polls showing public support for increased school appropriations, but actual voting demonstrates continued public opposition to higher taxes and support for tax reductions.