The power of lobbyists and special interests
If we ask parents to list what they want most for their children, a good education would certainly be near the top of the list.
Education is important. Parents or not, we all know it.
Then how do we explain what is happening in Oklahoma?
Next year some schools in that state will operate only four days a week.
And there will be an increase in class size as well (because some teachers’ contracts won’t be renewed).
Why? Budget cuts.
Since January Oklahoma’s education budget has been cut by almost $60 million.
With more projected cuts for the future.
Why is Oklahoma in this predicament?
An intense lobbying effort “motivated” its lawmakers to be exceedingly generous toward its oil and gas companies.
How generous?
Oklahoma’s lawmakers gave a $470 million tax break to its oil and gas industry.
(And that’s only for 2015.)
“Giving money and power to government
is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.”
PJ O’Rourke
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