OKLAHOMA CITY (April 1, 2026) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt issued the following statement after leadership in the Oklahoma State Legislature released a negotiated budget agreement that builds on fiscal restraint, protects state savings, and invests even more in education.
The agreement lays the critical framework for several of the Governor’s key priorities, including the establishment of a Taxpayer Endowment Trust Fund that will secure savings and further grow funds to support core government services in the future.
“I am grateful to leaders in the Senate and House for their work on this budget deal and for their commitment to fiscally responsible reforms that will put our state in an even better position,” said Governor Stitt. “This agreement reflects the important priorities for Oklahoma while keeping an eye on the horizon and planning for the future needs of our state."
“In this budget, we cement my top priority as governor: building and protecting Oklahoma’s savings. When I took office in 2019, our Rainy-Day Fund was depleted. Since then, we have built the largest savings in state history to help us weather tough times, keep core services strong, and protect taxpayers from sudden tax hikes.
“This year, we are taking the next big step. The new Oklahoma Taxpayer Endowment Fund will set aside $200 million from our savings and create a permanent investment fund—Oklahoma’s first sovereign wealth fund. Over the next decade, this fund will generate a new, reliable revenue stream to safeguard core services and help bolster Oklahoma’s path to eliminating the state income tax.
“Throughout my administration, I have also taken great pride in our historic investments made in education. Backed by future reforms and guardrails, this budget will build on that progress. It will pave the way for the third teacher pay raise since I entered office, while further securing students’ education freedom to attend the school that best meets their learning needs."
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