Step Up Oklahoma Group Announces Reform Plans

The state government budget crisis got the attention of a group of Oklahoma business, civic and community leaders who announced this week a plan to do something about it.

Calling themselves “nonpartisan” the Step Up Oklahoma members called for reform and revenue measures to eliminate abuse and waste and at the same time raise money to give a $5,000 pay raise to public school teachers.

In announcing its plan, the members said it addresses waste and abuse through reforms and ending the “boom and bust” cycle of state government through revenue enhancements.

The group’s leaders contend their desire is to work with state leaders “to resolve Oklahoma’s budget crisis.”

“Legislative leaders and the governor are all focused on solutions and this is encouraging,” commented David Rainbolt, BancFirst executive chairman and Step Up member. “It’s no longer enough for business leaders to play Monday morning quarterback. We’ve got to step up to partner with our elected officials in finding solutions and bringing citizen support that helps everyone to make the tough choices that will move Oklahoma forward.”

He contends the plan will put the state on a positive trajectory and give legislators “the tools they need to root out waste.”

“We are serious about the reforms,” commented Tucker Link, founder and chairman of Knightsbridge Investments and an OSU/A&M Regent and Step Up member. “Rural Oklahoma has been hit particularly hard by our budget challenges. Hospitals are closing and schools are struggling to keep their doors open. While many of these reforms will require constitutional changes and take time, we believe they need to be on the table. ”

“Education is the key to building a better Oklahoma,” commented Phil Albert, President of Pelco Structural, OU Regent and Step Up member. “Teachers are the difference makers. To attract and retain fine teachers, we must compensate them adequately. The time to act on teacher salaries is now.”

The plan will raise $800 million with over $250 million to support teacher salary increases and the remainder to support core services. “Our citizens want a financially sound and efficiently managed state,” Rainbolt said. “This plan will reverse our course and revive our future for the benefit of all Oklahomans.”