School Aid Bid Loses Steam

A recent survey by SoonerPoll.com found that voter support has fallen for an Oklahoma constitutional amendment that would raise state support of local education.

Only 27% of likely voters said in early October that they would vote in ­November for State Question 744, which would require lawmakers to fund public education at the per-pupil average for the region.

Almost 66% of voters supported the measure in a July poll.

The proposed amendment would force Oklahoma to spend no less than the average amount spent per student by surrounding states: Arkansas, ­Colorado ­Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, and Texas. When the average amount of aid spent by those states declines, Oklahoma will have to spend the amount it spent the year before.

The new poll also found considerable support for a proposal to increase to 15% from 10% the amount of surplus revenue that would flow into state’s rainy-day fund.

The ballot measure is supported by teacher organizations and educational groups, but opposed by many state elected officials.

Gov. Brad Henry is chairman of a group seeking to defeat the measure.

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