HCR1019 Summary

• Issues a disaster declaration for Oklahoma due to leadership failure and budget shortfalls of $1.3 billion for fiscal year 2017, with inability to meet $250 million in current financial obligations.

• Documents severe funding cuts across state services including: public education (22.8% less per student since 2009, nearly 2,000 teacher shortage), higher education ($74 million cut in one year), healthcare (19% reduction since 2009, 269 nursing facilities at closure risk), and mental health services ($22.8 million cut since January 2016).

• Details additional impacts: Department of Corrections budget declined 6% with prisons at 123% capacity; Department of Transportation received $60 million cut affecting infrastructure; Department of Human Services cut $25 million affecting child welfare and disability services; rural hospitals closing.

• Urges Legislature and Governor to act immediately to secure assistance for vulnerable populations and encourages eligible voters to participate in November General Election to elect new leadership.

• Directs distribution of resolution to Governor, Speaker of House, and President Pro Tempore of Senate.