Today’s decision is a victory for Oklahoma children, and I deeply appreciate the state Supreme Court for its swift action. 

The financial uncertainty has hindered teacher retention and recruitment efforts during a critical hiring season. Amid an historic teacher shortage, I’m grateful school districts can now move forward with finalizing budgets, fully implement the new certified staff salary schedule and guarantee teachers will receive the state’s largest-ever teacher pay raise.  

It’s my hope that Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite will abandon its effort to overturn the bold action of the Oklahoma Legislature in passing new revenue, which would allow schools to enact the raise without the worry of a possible revenue shortfall. It’s time for Oklahoma to move forward, and ensure Oklahomans choose leaders who understand that investment in education and other core state services is the path to prosperity.