An Oklahoma lawmaker has revealed that a Senate Education subcommittee did not consider the State Department of Education’s $3 million Bible initiative request for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. State Senator Mary Boren raised concerns about the initiative, citing previous legal troubles and the lack of public support for government involvement in religious education. The subcommittee decided to prioritize other educational needs, such as math instruction and maternity pay coverage, instead of funding the Bible initiative. The decision to leave the initiative out of the budget recommendation was made quickly during a Senate Appropriations meeting, sparking surprise from some lawmakers. The Oklahoma State Department of Education expressed disappointment but vowed to explore other options to support their initiatives despite the budget setback. The decision has raised questions about the potential use of public funds for religious purposes in schools and the separation of church and state in education. While the outcome of the budget process may not have been what some had hoped for, the State Department of Education remains committed to improving Oklahoma schools and finding ways to make their priorities a reality.
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