Thread by @ThriceSavage

This morning, I said Monday's mediation among #okleg leads & governor seemed "fruitful," as rumors of a "deal" grew.

Ten hours later, leaders have hope, but many Q's remain.

Neither GOP Caucus loves the "compromise" #oklaed funding proposal I'm outlining in this thread 🧵 (1/7)

The #okleg GOP members were pitched a teacher pay plan like the Senate desired ($4K to $6K raises) but off-formula districts would also receive funding.

Staff stipends have been discussed? Unsure on details.

New #oklaed funding in the formula might be $360 million-ish? (2/7)

Here's the big sticking point: a revised form of the "#Oklahoma Student Fund," which aims to balance $ for urban districts & rural districts.

Previously, the Senate said "hell no" to the House's proposal to provide higher per-pupil new funds to rural districts than urban. (3/?)

Today's proposal puts most $ in the formula, with a $100M -> $150M -> $250M stairstep into this revised OSF.

It's a grant program requiring #oklaed districts to apply.

Instead of the prior $2M/district cap, the new idea is a $1M/district cap, with more $ in formula. (4/7)

This is the part MANY Republicans in both #okleg chambers find concerning: The proposed "grant program" would require local board approval AND Ryan Walters & State Board (of unelected gov appointees) approval.

I haven't found a single rank & file lawmaker who likes that. (5/7)

Other questions/concerns over this flexible "innovation grant program" are bountiful.

There's a proposed first-year exclusion for the top 25 #oklaed districts. But "top" by what measure?

Also, how could districts plan their finances? What's considered "innovation"? (6/7)

Many worry this proposal is "too complicated" to explain back home w/ only 7 days to strike a deal amid many Q's.

The ultimate decision: Hold your nose, pass it & unlock the school choice tax credit? Or deal with blow-back from punting negotiations to next/special session? (7/7)