Oklahoma lawmakers will have $12.1 billion to allocate to state agencies for the 2027 fiscal year, according to a certification made Friday by the state Board of Equalization (BOE), officials announced.
The figure represents the total authorized amount available for appropriation by the Oklahoma Legislature, a key step in the state’s annual budget process. The BOE’s certification provides lawmakers with a definitive understanding of the financial resources at their disposal as they begin crafting the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Established in 1907 with the ratification of the Oklahoma Constitution, the Board of Equalization is responsible for adjusting and equalizing the valuation of real and personal property across the state’s counties, contributing to overall tax administration. It also provides the revenue estimate used by the legislature for budget planning. The board is comprised of six elected officials and one appointed official serving ex officio.
Currently, the Board is led by Governor Kevin Stitt as Chairman, with Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell serving as Vice Chair and Cindy Byrd, the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector, as Secretary. Other members include State Treasurer Todd Russ, Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, and President of the Board of Agriculture Blayne Arthur.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry, released a statement following the BOE’s certification, but did not elaborate on specific legislative priorities.
The BOE is required to equalize taxable real and personal property values of counties annually by December 1st, or the first working day thereafter, for the purpose of tax assessment by county assessors.
