2010 Legislative Agenda
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education 2010 Legislative Agenda: Economic Recovery & Growth (PDF, 631k)
Expanding Enrollments/
Tightening Belts
In a global economic environment that some are describing as the worst crisis since the Great Depression, the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education is doing our part by accommodating expanding enrollments while tightening our belts.
Enrollments at Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities saw a 5.8 percent increase this fall, 10,291 more students than in fall 2008.
In the face of increased demand for courses, facilities and resources, Oklahoma’s institutions of higher education have still managed to introduce efficiencies that will result in $73.7 million in savings from 2009 through 2011.
These savings are the result of a concerted effort by our institutions to reduce expenses while maintaining a high-quality learning environment. Savings have been accomplished through energy conservation and technology conversion, hiring freezes, travel reductions, outsourcing services and other efficiencies.
This "culture of efficiency and savings" is nothing new. Overall administrative costs continue to decline, are well under national and regional standards, and comply with the limits set by the State Regents.
The investment Oklahoma makes in higher education is not only carefully spent, but it also produces a significant return. An analysis conducted by Regional Economic Models Inc. shows that our state system of higher education produces more than $3.2 billion in annual economic growth. It also indicates that, for every $1 spent on higher education in the state, an additional $5.15 is pumped into the economy.
FY2011 Appropriations Request
Oklahoma has weathered the bad economy better than most states and has the opportunity to make strategic budget decisions that will position the state to better compete once economic recovery is under way and growth begins again.
Last year, Gov. Brad Henry, the Oklahoma State Senate, the Oklahoma House of Representations and Oklahoma’s public higher education institutions worked together to develop a budget plan, which, after including $68.8 million in federal stimulus funding, provided a much-needed increase in operational support to our institutions.
Cost-cutting measures have been implemented in order to keep the operational budget requests as low as possible. In order for these operational needs to be met, it is essential that the remaining stimulus funds be appropriated again in FY2011 to meet the mandate of retaining jobs and mitigating tuition increases.
FY10 Supplemental Request
Restore state-appropriated funds: $35,808,494
FY11 New Funding Request
Economic Recovery and Growth
Funding for Operating Obligations: $26,076,188
Removal of Financial Barriers
Concurrent Enrollment: $875,000
Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarships: $200,000
Cooperative Alliance Tuition Waiver: $100,000
Office of Accountability: $249,880
Total New FY11 Funds Request: $27,501,068
Annualization of supplemental for FY11: $35,808,494
2nd Year Funding from Stimulus Revenue: $68,792,477
Total FY11 Appropriation Request: $1,098,242,076
% Difference From FY10 Appropriation: 2.57%
Total With Oklahoma’s Promise Allocation Recommendation ($57m): $1,155,242,076
Fast Facts
Cost-saving initiatives will result in $73.7 million in savings from 2009 through 2011.
Oklahoma ranks as 7th most affordable in the nation for undergraduate costs at four-year public colleges.
A record enrollment was reported for fall 2009, with 10,291 more students than in fall 2008 – a 5.8 percent increase.
Higher education has an impact on Oklahoma’s economy of more than $3.2 billion each year.
Eighty-nine percent of 2005-06 associate degree graduates and 82% of bachelor degree graduates remained in the state one year after graduation.
Contact Information
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
405.225.9100
www.okhighered.org
Glen D. Johnson, Chancellor
chancellorjohnson@osrhe.edu
Hollye Hunt, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations hhunt@osrhe.edu
