In response to mounting public pressure, the leaders of the Oklahoma House of Representatives have announced a probe into the Oklahoma State Department of Education over concerns regarding its spending practices.
The House Appropriations and Budget Chairman, Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, announced that the investigation would be conducted by the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT). House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, approved the investigation, which will address concerns raised by legislators and private citizens regarding alleged issues with the disbursement of funding by the OSDE, stated Wallace.
LOFT, an agency of the legislative branch, plays a crucial role in providing budgetary recommendations to the Oklahoma House and Senate. Its primary focus is on funding state government, higher education, and public schools.
In his media statement, Wallace expressed his desire for LOFT to look into the concerns raised by citizens and legislators regarding the disbursement of funds under State Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters’ administration. He also highlighted the delays in handling funds that were specifically allocated to the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).
“I am eager to utilize the processes and procedures offered by LOFT to tackle the concerns regarding OSDE funding. I will carry out a comprehensive and transparent investigation to provide answers to my fellow legislators and the people of Oklahoma,” he expressed.
State Representative Johnson emphasized that the focus of the matter is not Superintendent Walters himself but rather the importance of transparency within a state agency and the need to provide answers to the constituents. He stressed the responsibility of the agency to utilize allocated funds appropriately and promptly when approved by the Legislature.
Wallace emphasized the importance of timely communication regarding any problems with disbursements being made. It is crucial for such information to be relayed to the Legislature well in advance, before schools face any financial constraints.
Investigation follows calls by McBride, House Democrats to examine OSDE
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State Rep. Mark McBride initiated the investigation by addressing a letter to McCall, urging him to establish a Special Investigative Committee to look into the OSDE and Walters.
During the last legislative session, McBride expressed multiple concerns about the agency and Walters. At his request, the House issued subpoenas to Walters twice in order to obtain financial information. McBride emphasized his growing worries regarding the Department’s budget performance, spending priorities, and transparency.
According to McBride, the state Education Department’s conditions and the treatment of legislators by the superintendent and the Oklahoma State Board of Education have been unprofessional. McBride believes that this behavior is beneath the dignity of a statewide elected official and goes against the best interests of Oklahoma’s taxpayers and students.
Later on Thursday afternoon, McBride expressed his satisfaction with the announcement, stating, “I’m extremely pleased.”
As of now, McBride’s letter has garnered support from 25 GOP lawmakers. This comes in response to the numerous requests made by the House’s 20-member Democratic Caucus.
On August 9th, the Democrats released a press statement urging the Republican supermajority to establish a dedicated bipartisan committee. This committee would be responsible for investigating the state superintendent following reports that the state Department of Education is diverting funds allocated by the legislature for security improvements in school districts.
House Democrats have been reaching out to McCall for over a year, according to House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-OKC. Munson commended McBride’s endeavors in initiating a special investigation and mentioned that Democrats have been making this request for quite some time.
“We made our initial request on Aug. 29, 2023,” she explained. “During a press conference, we formally requested the Speaker of the House and sent a letter detailing our concerns about the state superintendent to Speaker McCall. However, when asked if he would fulfill our request and establish a bipartisan special investigative committee, he responded with a definitive ‘no’.”
Munson: Democrats have pushed for a year for an investigation of Walters
According to Munson, Democrats have made five requests for an investigation. She emphasized, “For a year now, we have been amplifying the voices of Oklahomans across our state. I’m pleased that the Republicans are finally taking a cue from us.”
State Representative Mickey Dollens, a Democrat from Oklahoma City, expressed his agreement with Munson’s sentiments, emphasizing that his caucus had been actively engaging with constituents for over a year. Dollens highlighted the recurring concerns regarding the issues at the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), the absence of effective leadership, and the overall failure of Ryan Walters and his administration. He emphasized that these concerns have been raised repeatedly within their caucus, stating, “Without a doubt, these discussions have influenced decision-making, and we are relieved to see some form of accountability finally being implemented.”
It seems that McCall has changed his stance on launching an investigation. Initially, he had stated that he would only take action if 51 House Republicans signed McBride’s letter. However, he now appears to have backtracked on some of his previous statements.
Legislators, it is time to remove Ryan Walters and put an end to his toxic crusade against Oklahoma teachers.
In a statement on Tuesday, McCall emphasized that the committee hearings conducted by the Legislature pre-session are the most suitable platform to address the concerns raised by many areas and to hold the agency accountable for the allocated funds and their plans for the future.
“I hold elections in high regard, and I firmly believe that any individual who has been duly elected by the people of this state should not be stripped of their office, which was bestowed upon them by the people, unless it is absolutely mandated by the constitution,” stated the speaker in a message. “Until at least 51 Republicans come forward and formally request the establishment of an investigative committee, I will not entertain the idea.”
McCall emphasized that LOFT is dedicated to ensuring the responsible use of taxpayer dollars by state agencies. He believes that LOFT is the perfect organization to address any concerns regarding spending at OSDE.
“I am confident that LOFT’s investigation will effectively address these concerns, eliminating the need for an expensive special legislative session,” he expressed. “Chairman Wallace and LOFT will conduct a thorough review, bringing clarity to the issues at OSDE and offering solutions to ensure responsible management of taxpayer funds. I wholeheartedly endorse this process.”
McCall assured that his office would collaborate with Attorney General Gentner Drummond to provide him with “all pertinent details” concerning any potential breaches of the Open Records or Open Meeting Acts by OSDE.
“We are dedicated to being transparent, and we will ensure that the public has access to the findings from this investigation,” he stated.
State lawmakers are expected to convene at the Capitol for interim legislative hearings from September to November. The LOFT investigation, however, does not yet have a scheduled date.
Lawmakers Launch Investigation into Spending by OSDE under Ryan Walters
Lawmakers have recently announced a comprehensive investigation into the spending practices of the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) under the leadership of Ryan Walters. This move comes as a response to growing concerns about the transparency and accountability of the department’s financial decisions.
The investigation aims to shed light on how taxpayer funds have been allocated and whether they have been used effectively to improve educational outcomes across the state. Lawmakers are particularly interested in examining any potential instances of mismanagement, wasteful spending, or violations of procurement protocols.
The decision to launch this investigation has been driven by the desire to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used in the most responsible and efficient manner possible. With education being a top priority for the state, it is crucial to ensure that every dollar invested in the education system is being utilized effectively to benefit students and teachers alike.
By scrutinizing the spending practices of the OSDE, lawmakers hope to identify any areas where improvements can be made to ensure that funds are being directed towards initiatives that directly impact student achievement. This investigation will also help to restore public trust in the department’s financial management, as well as provide valuable insights for future budgeting and resource allocation decisions.
Lawmakers are committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation that will leave no stone unturned. They understand the importance of accountability and transparency in government spending, especially when it comes to the education sector. The findings of this investigation will be instrumental in informing future policy decisions and ensuring that taxpayer funds are being used to their fullest potential.
It is worth noting that this investigation does not imply any wrongdoing on the part of Ryan Walters or the OSDE. Rather, it is a proactive measure to ensure that the department’s financial practices align with the best interests of Oklahoma’s students and taxpayers. By conducting this investigation, lawmakers are demonstrating their commitment to upholding the highest standards of accountability and stewardship in the use of public funds.
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