State funding plan pulls money from ODOT for education

OKLAHOMA CITY —

State lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday they say brings more funding to education.
The plan shifts money from ODOT to education. Opponents say the idea would destroy the state's progress on road conditions.
"[It's] asinine. It really is. Here you have one of the few things in state government that's working," said Bobby Stem, executive director of Oklahoma General Contractors.
On his desk, a copy of ODOT's 8 year plan, literally cut in half, representing the funding cuts proposed by this plan.
"All we see is a bill that says 'we want half your money'," Stem said.
Stem says after finally making progress on the state's roads and bridges, now they want to reverse course.
The bill's author, Lee Denney says the state has to prioritize. She says they've faithfully funded ODOT for years, and roads are still a priority.
"That's important to families and kids too, as far as having safe travel, but we've done well by them," Denney said. "I don't look at it as taking money away from them, I look at it as slowing down the funding for our roads program, but increasing the funding for our schools."
After hearing from some 25,000 constituents Monday, lawmakers say education is the top priority and everyone needs to take some of the pain of budget cuts, including ODOT.
The plan takes half of ODOT funding increases over several years and extends the school year up to 10 days.
But ODOT is crying foul too. They say the cuts will make it difficult to pay for bonds they took out several years ago, trying then to ease state budget woes.
"It is very concerning, the impact to the department at the rate it's been proposed right now, adds up to about $414 million to us, over the next eight years and that's equal to one year of state funds," said spokesperson Terri Angier.
Denney's plan passed the house 94-1 and is on it's way to the Senate after sailing through committee. Proponents say while roads are important, education is more important, and thus should get funding increases first.
"We've got to get more funding for education, but we are in a very challenging budget year. That means we're going to have to look at some of the funds we're spending now and try to find a way to address this need," said Sen. Jim Halligan in a statement. "I recognize we have critical needs in transportation with our roads and bridges, but the children of this state are just as important. If we want more students to graduate high school with the skills they need for college, CareerTech or the workforce then we're going to have to invest more in education."