The Governor establishes budget priorities by making a budget proposal. The Governor is the state's chief executive officer. The Governor is elected statewide for a maximum of two four-year terms. This officer is the head of state, commander of the Oklahoma National Guard, and has powers to appoint many agency heads, declare emergencies, and set policy direction.

The Governor is required to submit an executive budget proposal along with a State of the State speech when the Legislature opens its session on the first Monday in February. This proposal comes about only after significant review of agency requests by the Office of State Finance and by the Governor and staff. Reviews consider the demand for agency services, recent agency spending and performance, and availability of non-appropriated revenues. Agency requests always far exceed the revenue certified by the Board of Equalization. The Governor recommends agency increases and decreases that balance the budget and meet the Governor's policy priorities.

The Governor's proposed budget is an extensive document with detailed funding recommendations for every state agency. An executive summary at the beginning of the budget states the Governor's policy priorities, major changes in recommended agency funding, and recommended changes in state revenues. This section also includes the Governor's recommended capital budget, which includes major construction projects. The document includes useful information such as revenue histories and estimates, employees allocated to each agency, and recent performance and spending of each agency.

While the Governor's budget often frames issues that will be important throughout the budget process, the Legislature typically has its own, different priorities. The Governor does, however,  attempt to direct discussions to his major priorities throughout the rest of the budget process.

Go to the State Budget Office to see current and past executive budgets

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