Yielding to intense public pressure, leaders of the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Thursday announced an investigation of “spending concerns” regarding the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
The announcement, made by House Appropriations and Budget Chairman, Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, said the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) would conduct the investigation. Approved by House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, the investigation will focus on issues raised by both legislators and private citizens regarding alleged OSDE funding disbursement issues, Wallace said.
LOFT is an agency of the legislative branch that assists the Oklahoma House and Senate with budgetary recommendations for the funding of state government, higher education, and public schools.
In his media statement, Wallace said he wanted LOFT to investigate funding disbursement concerns raised by both citizens and legislators in regard to State Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters’ administration of the department and delays in handling funds sent to OSDE and earmarked for specific purposes.