General government agencies help make all other functions of government possible. Without them the state cannot make laws, provide leadership, collect revenue, pay its bills, hire employees, or explain and account for what it has accomplished.  General government is in many ways the most visible part of government since media cover the Legislature and Governor and the major agencies in this area collect money from and pay it to millions of Oklahomans each year.

It is difficult to measure accomplishments of most general government activities. While elected officials meet and execute their various tasks, the public could not agree on how well they do since we all have different expectations. For most of the non-elected officials in this functional area, the goal is to provide effective service while minimizing diversion of resources from the agencies that provide direct services. Measures that are available suggest that financial management of Oklahoma government is good but we fall behind in creating a government that is ready for the 21st century.

Aa3/AA+--The State of Oklahoma's bond ratings, from Moody's Investors Service and Standard and Poors Corporation, respectively. Standard and Poors raised Oklahoma's rating one-half step in 2008. Both ratings indicate the state's bonds are above average in credit worthiness. Ratings consider the state's economy, financial position, governance, and debt levels.

C+--The Government Performance Project gave Oklahoma's management this grade for 2008. The state was applauded for a new law requiring actuaries to study changes in retirement systems but was weak in the long-term financial outlook, employee training and development, capital planning, maintaining facilities, managing for results and performance auditing and evaluation. The state's grade has been similar since 2001.

14th--Oklahoma was tied for 14th in state budget process quality in 2008, according to Federal Funds Information for the States. Our score of 76.0 (on a scale from 0 to 100) was higher than the average state score of 70.4. Oklahoma scored above average in the governor's ability to control spending and for keeping reserves to maintain stable funding. Oklahoma was average in its requirements for a balanced budget and in making its budget and finances understandable.

• General Government Agencies and Services

‹‹ Go back to Transportation Agencies and ServicesupGo on to General Government Agencies and Services ››