Oklahoma State Accrediting Agency
This is a follow-up to an article I posted last month
regarding the Oklahoma State Accrediting agency. The intent of this article is
to encourage support for legislation (HB 1992) regarding the governance of
Oklahoma State Accrediting Agency (SAA) and to request that you take action
regarding conflicting legislation (SB 232) that could be detrimental to
Oklahoma’s veterans using educational benefits.
"The Oklahoma State Accrediting Agency (SAA) is the
approval authority in the State of Oklahoma of programs of education and
training for those enrolled in school and job training programs under the G.I.
Bill."
If you are a legislator, please consider the following when these bills come to the floor for a vote. If you are not a legislator, please share this information with your representatives.
SUPPORT HB 1992
•
YEARS OF
SERVICE: SAA has successfully protected GI Bill® Benefits for
Oklahoma veterans and beneficiaries since 1953 (64 years). HB 1992 enables SAA
to continue operations through sunset legislation. SAA received the highest grade
possible for effective contract operations.
•
FUNDING: SAA
is a federally funded state agency (all states have an SAA) that represents
Oklahoma’s interests. Funds are allocated by the Education Department of the
United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
•
GOVERNANCE. Board members include: two
governor-appointed honorably discharged Veterans, the Oklahoma Department of
Education (K-12), Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology
Education (career postsecondary education), and the Oklahoma
State Regents for Higher Education (collegiate).
•
BENEFITS
TO OKLAHOMA: In addition to
protecting the GI Bill® for Oklahoma’s veterans - SAA’s actions result in
education GI Bill benefit payments of almost $45 million annually.
SB 232 CONCERNS - SB 232 was introduced to move the SAA to
the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA). ODVA is responsible for
Veteran Nursing Centers. SAA’s work involves federal education GI Bill®
Benefits. Combining the two agencies gains no discernable efficiencies or benefits
and may result in the following:
•
DISRUPTION: Removal of SAA from its current
education focused governing status could be detrimental and highly disruptive –
thus, negatively impacting veterans and beneficiaries, educational institutions
and employers.
•
INTERUPTION:
Over 11,000 Veterans use
their educational benefits in Oklahoma generating millions of dollars into the
Oklahoma economy (again, $45 million). If SAA loses the federal contract, the
United States Department of Veterans Affairs will act as Oklahoma’s SAA.
•
INTERFERANCE:
SAA navigates complex regulatory and policy issues at the local, state,
federal, and national levels. If unable to function independently with its
current board, it cannot function effectively – thus, negatively impacting
veterans and beneficiaries by delaying payments.
SB 232 MYTHS AND FACTS - Misleading information about SAA has
been circulated regarding cost savings and other factors related to SB
232.
•
NO COST
SAVINGS: There is no cost savings achieved by moving SAA to VA.
•
GI BILL®
FUNDS LOST OR UNUSED: SAA does not control the amount of GI BILL®
funds coming to Oklahoma – veterans and beneficiaries do.
•
FUNDS FOR
SAA USE ONLY. SAA funds are allocated through a reimbursement
contract with the Education Services United States Department of Veterans
Affairs and cannot be used for any other state function.
•
CHANGE
UNNECESSARY: SB 232 will have
a negative impact on SAA’s ability to function.
Additionally, it is unclear what
it accomplishes. It is an unnecessary change for the following reasons.
ü There is no discernible benefit for
this change, outcomes could be detrimental.
ü SAA
is already committed to working with ODVA on Veteran’s education issues and
does so regularly.
ü SAA
is moving to the Veterans Building when construction is complete and will rent
space in the same building as ODVA. Cohabitating together, but functioning
independently serves Oklahoma veterans more effectively.
ü SAA
works daily with ODVA in the operations areas (payroll, purchasing, and
travel). This does not negatively impact veterans, but serves the state
efficiently.
Working together, but operating
independently is the best way for SAA and ODVA to serve Oklahoma’s veterans.
Please support HB 1992 to reauthorize the agency and governance structure of
the Oklahoma State Accrediting Agency (SAA) veterans utilizing GI Bill®
benefits and contact your state representative and senator regarding concerns
about SB 232.
I served as a veteran representative (retired USCG officer)
on the board of the State Accrediting Agency for over 20 years and firmly
believe that the interests of our veteran population are best served by an
independent State Accrediting Agency. I am available to discuss these issues at
your convenience if you have any questions. Additionally, I have visited extensively
with the Director of the SAA, Ms. Gina Wekke, about the future of the agency.
She is available for additional information at 405-642-4448 or by email at gwekke@odva.state.ou.us.
