The Oklahoma State Board of Equalization (BOE) certified $9.64 billion for the Fiscal Year 2022 budget – and increase compared to the $8.46 billion initially certified by the board in December.

“This speaks well of the economy in Oklahoma,” said Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson, R-Okemah. “Small business owners have been innovative, diligent, and persistent despite all of the challenges during this pandemic.

“Oklahoma has benefitted from federal dollars, which helped these numbers. I am very optimistic for FY 2022, but cautiously optimistic about FY 2023. This is not the year to spend every dollar. We need to have funds easily accessible if we have another surge in COVID cases—money that can be used to pay for more testing, vaccines, and other critical needs.”  

“Vaccines occurring and businesses recovering have the economy and revenues rebounding well enough to replenish reserves, set strong agency budgets and grant tax relief to continue kickstarting Oklahoma’s recovery. Keeping the economy open is continuing to benefit Oklahoma, both for our citizens and now for our state budget,” said House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka.

“Our decision last year to not appropriate our full authority and make some cautious, temporary appropriation reductions – followed by an improving economy – has Oklahoma’s budget in better shape than most other states. With this certification, we can make targeted investments in agencies, replenish reserves and even consider tax relief. State government is in a very good spot thanks to restrained conservative budgeting last year and a resilient economy,” said House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston.