Ryan Walters has prioritized his ambitions over the well-being of the people he’s supposed to serve, weaponized religion, mismanaged public funds, and disrespected teachers and administrators across the state. The governor had to issue an executive order to force Walters to stop using taxpayer dollars to pay a PR firm tasked with making Walters look good.
Attorney General Criticizes Ryan Walters’ Mismanagement of School Security Funds.
SUMMARY
Yes, consistent with the analysis and determinations below, a school district may carry over unused funds from the School Security Revolving Fund from one year to another. [Read More]
LOFT Investigation
The Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) has launched an investigation into the Oklahoma State Department of Education's (OSDE) spending under Ryan Walters' leadership. This investigation was prompted by concerns over the mismanagement of funds, particularly in how taxpayer money has been allocated and spent. The findings of this investigation could have significant implications for Walters and the department he oversees.
Details
The LOFT investigation is particularly focused on discrepancies in spending reports and the lack of transparency in how funds have been used for travel and other expenses. Lawmakers initiated this investigation after receiving numerous complaints and reports of questionable financial practices within OSDE. The outcome of this investigation could potentially lead to further legal actions or policy changes aimed at ensuring greater accountability within the department.
Source:
LOFT investigation
New $60K Contract Amid Ban on Wasteful PR Spending
Despite an executive order banning wasteful PR spending, Walters recently approved a new $60,000 contract aimed at bolstering his image, further blurring the lines between public service and self-promotion.
Impact:
The approval of this new contract highlights a continued pattern of using public resources for personal or political gain. Walters’ decision to bypass the executive order has only deepened concerns about his ability to separate his role as a public servant from his political aspirations. This action further undermines trust in his leadership and raises serious ethical questions about the appropriate use of taxpayer money.
Gentner Drummond
Oklahoma
Attorney General
“The law is clear: legislators have broad oversight authority whether an agency or board likes it or not.”
“It strains credibility and common sense that any legislator would be barred from the executive session of a state agency they oversee,” Drummond said. “The law is clear: legislators have broad oversight authority whether an agency or board likes it or not.” [Read More]
Nick Archer
Elk City
GOP State Representative
"Let me be clear: neither porn nor Ryan Walters belong in Oklahoma schools.”
“multiple elected officials have made reasonable requests regarding [Walter's] use of taxpayer funds and asked that he address critical education issues. Instead, he deflects accountability by referring to Republican legislators as ‘moderate’ individuals who are promoting ‘porn in schools.’”
Mark McBride
Moore
GOP State Representative
"Ryan Walters’ PR Contract Should Be Banned”
"I hear daily from constituents from my district and taxpayers from across the state pleading for this body to take action and hold the Superintendent and the State Board of Education accountable for their rogue behavior."