2025 Legislative Agenda
Advancing Education and Workforce Training for Adult Learners
Increased support for initiatives that promote workforce development in Oklahoma’s critical occupations is essential to the state’s economic growth. We propose the creation of a scholarship program designed specifically for adult learners, offering financial assistance to those looking to complete unfinished degrees, obtain certificates or micro-credentials, or pursue reskilling and upskilling opportunities. This program will prioritize high-demand credentials aligned with occupations that are vital to Oklahoma’s workforce, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment needs.
Oklahoma Opportunity Education Scholarship Tax Credit
The Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Scholarship Act allows individuals and businesses to receive a tax credit in exchange for donations that support K-12 school tuition assistance for families with financial need. This structure offers significant advantages to donors, often resulting in no realized cost when combined with traditional federal and state deductions. Expanding this tax credit to fund need-based scholarships for students attending Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities will support efforts to increase the college-educated workforce in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma's Promise
The Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship program has been named by the Southern Regional Education Board as a top promise scholarship program in the nation. Goals for the 2025 legislative session include developing an appeal process to assist students facing unique circumstances and extending the application deadline to ensure no qualified student is excluded.
Stabilize Property Insurance Rates
Our colleges and universities face significant operational cost increases. Rising property insurance rates have created a financial burden that impacts the current and future financial environment for every institution. Examining the property insurance process, practices and market in Oklahoma is an important step to identify long-term solutions to help mitigate this substantial expense across the state system.
Enhance Campus Safety and Security
State system institutions must be equipped with the necessary personnel and financial resources to proactively mitigate risks and ensure the safety of their campus communities. This includes addressing both physical and cybersecurity threats, challenges and incidents. Appropriate investment in security infrastructure, trained personnel and cybersecurity protocols is essential to safeguarding students, faculty, staff and institutional assets while also fostering a secure learning environment.
Concurrent Enrollment
The concurrent enrollment program strengthens student preparation, reduces family college costs and decreases the time required to complete a degree. Focusing on recommendations from the Concurrent Enrollment Task Force and legislative studies, the State Regents will evaluate concurrent participation options, financial models and course delivery modes to strengthen the program for Oklahoma students.
Contact
Sean Burrage, Chancellor
sburrage@osrhe.edu
Dr. Jarrett Jobe, Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations
jjobe@osrhe.edu
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
405.225.9424
www.okhighered.org