Fallin places 'Vision Fund' question on November ballot

Governor Mary Fallin Places Vision Fund Question on November Ballot

It joins four other measures that voters will be asked to consider

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed an executive proclamation placing on the Nov. 6 general election ballot a measure that would create the Oklahoma Vision Fund to support the operation of state government.

State Question (SQ) 800, if approved by a majority of voters, would consist of annual deposits of at least 5 percent of the total collections of the gross production tax.

No more than 5 percent of the Vision Fund could be used for service payments due on bonds or other financing instruments. Four percent of the average annual principal balance of the endowment fund could be transferred to the General Revenue Fund each year.

Lawmakers this year approved Senate Joint Resolution 35, which supporters said would better prepare for the cyclical nature of Oklahoma’s energy economy and would help keep core services funded in downturns.

The deadline for the governor to sign paperwork for state questions to be placed on the Nov. 6 general election ballot is Aug. 27.

Fallin earlier placed three other referendums approved by legislators on the ballot, and signed paperwork authorizing one initiative petition measure to be on the November ballot.

• SQ 793 (initiative petition) would amend the state constitution by allowing optometrists or opticians to practice in retail establishments, and would allow the Legislature to regulate them.
• SQ 794 (legislative referendum) would provide certain rights for crime victims, such as expanding the court proceedings at which victims have the right to be heard and being notified of the defendant’s release or escape from custody.
• SQ 798 (legislative referendum) would establish a joint ticket for the top two statewide offices, like candidates for U.S. president and vice-president. If voters approve the question on the Nov. 6 general election, it wouldn't take effect until 2026.
• SQ 801 (legislative referendum) would give local school boards the flexibility and options to use existing property tax funds for use in the classroom, such as teacher pay and textbooks, without raising taxes.

The deadline for the governor to sign paperwork for state questions to be placed on the Nov. 6 general election ballot is Aug. 27.