Oklahoma Legislature's Smaller Government Means Cuts to School Special Ed Programs

The Oklahoma Legislature is dominated by conservative Republicans, which means that state programs and services are now officially underfunded. 

Or as Tulsa Public Schools Supt. Keith Ballard put it today in the Tulsa World, "This is what smaller government looks like."

Ballard was responding to inquiries about TPS's decision to cut special education services to the tune of $4.2 million, which will eliminate a number of teachers, administrators paraprofessionals as well as  support services for special education students.

Ballard was not happy about the cuts, but he was honest enough to point out the culprit. "These are very necessary services for kids, but the Oklahoma Legislature is determined to have smaller government."

Voters (and parents) need to keep this in mind next time they vote for state representatives and senators.