By Associated Press
Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma voters reject school spending measure
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahoma voters have soundly rejected a controversial plan that would have required the state to spend annually on education no less than the regional average of six neighboring states.
Critics, including Gov. Brad Henry, said State Question 744 would have forced devastating cuts to other state agencies.
The plan was estimated to cost between $900 million and $1.7 billion over the next several years.
Supporters of the measure argued that Oklahoma could afford the education spending if "legislative perks" were reduced and the number of state tax credits drastically cut.