The Oklahoma House of Representatives today approved the general appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2027, delivering the largest investment in education in state history while also strengthening funding for mental health services, health care and other core state priorities.

The general appropriations bill serves as the foundation of the state budget, establishing the framework for funding state agencies. This also includes a $232 million increase for common education, supporting teacher pay raises and investing in initiatives that strengthen early literacy and ensure students build a solid foundation in math; the biggest investment in education in state history.

The budget also increases funding for the Department of Mental Health to support efforts with the ongoing consent decree, the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority for increased Medicaid utilization and the Department of Human Services for Advantage waiver, changes to the SNAP program and child care teacher recruitment and retention.

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, and House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon, released the following statements after the measure passed the House floor by a vote of 76-18.

"This budget reflects our commitment to investing in Oklahoma’s future while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Hilbert said. “By making historic investments in education while maintaining a disciplined approach to spending, this plan focuses on the core priorities that matter most to Oklahomans and ensures we are using public funds wisely."

"We started working on this budget in July of 2025 and I have had open office hours that began in February so members could talk through their requests and hesitations," Caldwell said. "I have made it my mission to make this budget process the most transparent in state history. Every detail of this budget is about making Oklahoma better than it was the year before. There is never a perfect budget, but I am certain that this moves our state forward."

More details on the FY27 budget can be found on the Oklahoma House website at https://former.okhouse.gov/fiscal/FiscalPortal.aspx.

“Oklahomans expect us to lead, and that means coming to the table with solutions,” Hilbert said. “Throughout this process, leadership has remained focused on delivering a responsible budget that protects services without unnecessary spending increases.”