Supt. Walters' budget faces bipartisan questioning over $3 million Bible request

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — State Superintendent Ryan Walters laid out the OSDE 2026 Fiscal Year Budget on Wednesday, facing questions from Republican and Democratic lawmakers about a number of requests, including dedicating millions of dollars to purchasing Bibles.

The House Appropriations and Budget Committee started the afternoon hearing by listening to Walters boast about his agency's accomplishments before he laid out his request of over a $92 million increase from the agency's 2025 appropriations of well over $3 billion.

"I've laid out my priorities, and it's the priorities of the people of Oklahoma as they've spoken to me," said Walters.

Walters requested key funding in areas to beef up school security, more money for maternity leave, and mental health. His request, when it came to dedicating $3 million in taxpayer dollars to put Bibles in Oklahoma classrooms, was met with questions from state representatives on both sides.

Republican Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Oklahoma City, questioned why the agency didn't seek out donations to fulfill the request.

"I'm sure there's lots of organizations that would be happy to supply those and save the taxpayers three million dollars but why would we not do that?" Crosswhite Hader asked.

Walters didn't answer that question directly, touting the Bible as a necessary text for helping students understand its historical context in their education.

"When we go through a process of looking for materials for school this is the same process we go through," said Walters, referring to bidding processes.

Walters did admit that the 500 Bibles the agency purchased in November for Advanced Placement Government classes haven't been given out.

The budget presentation didn't only include asking for more money, though; Walters also called for an 8% cut to the agency's own operational budget.

"I believe we need less of a footprint," said Walters. "I believe we need less employees there."

News 4 has reported that over the past several months, under Walters leadership, more than 100 employees have left the agency.

"If we were really talking about savings from attrition, from the loss of employees that were not replaced, we would see a huge decline, not a million and a half," said Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Oklahoma City.

House Democrats shared their thoughts during a news conference after the hearing wrapped up. Each representative took jabs at Walters, saying he didn't understand the intricacies of his position.

"It is incredibly frustrating that our State Superintendent continues to refuse to answer or listen to the people of Oklahoma," said Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa. "I will continue to hold the State Superintendent accountable just as the people of District 72 have asked me to do."

Democrats in attendance at the news conference further expressed concerns about potential legal challenges OSDE could face in addition to the ongoing ones the agency is already dealing with. It was a topic that didn't come up much in the hearing itself.

"I did not want to give it any oxygen," said Fugate.

Last October, News 4 reported the agency spent more than $100,000 on attorneys to defend lawsuits between March and July. Democrats say they're concerned there could be legal battles sparked by bringing Bibles into the classroom.

They're worried more could follow if the legislature and governor give a state board of education rule requiring schools to gather citizenship information from students and their families the go-ahead. Board members approved the rule unanimously during a meeting Tuesday, even as protestors made their opinions known.

"All this targeting of immigrants, it affects not only the mental health, just the lifestyle, the life of these of these children," said Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman.

Some Democrats had harsher words to say on the topic.

"What I would tell all those families out there, you don't have to provide your immigration status," said Fugate. "You don't have to provide your citizenship, and this is our opportunity. This is our 21st century Katz Drug Store moment for all families to stand with those kids at the counter or outdoors with the pitchforks."