Articles
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Budget & Tax
As tax cuts stall in Oklahoma, Arkansas moving ahead
In 2024 the Oklahoma Senate prioritized spending increases over income-tax reduction. Meanwhile, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is calling for a special session to reduce that state’s top personal income-tax rate to 3.9 percent.Ray Carter | June 13, 2024
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Budget & Tax
Pension benefits not a reliable way to attract, retain employees
SB 102 puts Oklahoma taxpayers and pension recipients at risk by creating $90 million in unfunded liabilities. It is unclear what recurring revenue lawmakers will use to pay for these liabilities.Curtis Shelton | May 29, 2024
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Budget & Tax
Stitt veto protects pensioners, taxpayers
SB 102, recently vetoed by the governor, was another attempt to chip away at past reforms that have helped put Oklahoma public pension systems in a fiscally responsible position.Curtis Shelton | May 23, 2024
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Budget & Tax
Tribes seek share of turnpike revenue
Many tribal car tags are effectively unregistered with the state of Oklahoma, but a tribal official says tribes are willing to end that problem—if the state agrees to divert millions of dollars in turnpike revenue to tribal governments.Ray Carter | May 22, 2024
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Budget & Tax
Massachusetts study holds tax warning for Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s governor and legislative leaders continue budget negotiations, a new report from Massachusetts provides a significant warning for lawmakers who prioritize government spending over income-tax cuts.Ray Carter | May 15, 2024
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Budget & Tax
Countdown to the budget deal: A look at health care spending
As Oklahoma budget talks continue, we take a look at state agency growth over the years. Today’s spotlight on the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.Curtis Shelton | May 10, 2024
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Budget & Tax
House, Senate budget plans include worthwhile items
Oklahomans should encourage their state lawmakers to include tax cuts and workforce scholarships in the final budget agreement.Jonathan Small | May 6, 2024
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Budget & Tax, Education
Countdown to the budget deal: A look at education spending
As Oklahoma budget talks continue, we take a look at state agency growth over the years. Today’s spotlight is on the state Department of Education.Curtis Shelton | May 1, 2024
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Budget & Tax
Amid tax cuts, state revenue growth continues
On average, tax-cutting states have seen a larger increase in government revenue than states that didn’t cut taxes.Curtis Shelton | April 22, 2024
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Budget & Tax, Economy
Oklahoma drawing Millennials, data show
Critics often claim that Oklahoma’s conservative policies will cause a mass exodus of people. But the facts keep proving these critics wrong.Ray Carter | April 9, 2024