Dear Fellow Oklahoman,
 
Monday was the first day of the 2015 legislative session, and I had the honor of delivering the State of the State address and presenting my proposed Executive Budget for the next fiscal year. If you missed it, you can get a summary and the full text here.
 
The plan I put forward is part of a long term blueprint for sustained economic growth for all Oklahomans, improved state services, and an improved quality of life. It begins by taking an honest look at the problems that hold us back. In my address to lawmakers I identified three priority areas that we MUST improve in to continue to build our state's forward momentum:

• Increasing educational attainment so more Oklahomans have the skills they need to succeed in the workplace;
• Reducing the incarceration rate by diverting non-violent offenders with substance abuse or mental health issues away from the criminal justice system (while making sure violent criminals remain locked up);
• And improving our poor health outcomes which continue to result in unnecessary deaths and billions of dollars in expenses to families, businesses and the state.

As I told legislators, we have significant budgetary hurdles to overcome while we pursue those goals. Those challenges were not caused by a stagnant economy or declining state tax receipts. Rather, they have been created by an increase in "off-the-top" spending that diverts money away from the General Revenue Fund, either to tax credits and economic incentives or to support government programs.

Balancing the budget this year will require a blend of strategic decisions. We will be required to:

• Adopt performance informed budgeting and thinking, to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used to support successful programs that deliver measurable results (see more on these performance measurements at OkStateStat.Ok.Gov)
• Make strategic spending cuts at many government agencies
• Redirect unencumbered dollars from agency revolving funds to general revenue and more closely examine tax incentives and credits to ensure the state is receiving a good return on its investment.

The agenda and budget I introduced chart a realistic, responsible way forward for the state of Oklahoma. I invite you to take a closer look at my agenda for 2015, as well as my executive budget, by clicking here.

Together, I know we can build a better, stronger state. Thank you for your support, and your commitment to making Oklahoma the best possible place to live, work and raise a family.

I am looking forward to another productive legislative session and a chance to roll up our sleeves, get to work and continue to build our state's forward momentum.
 
Sincerely,


Governor Mary Fallin