Articles
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Budget & Tax
As OKC Streetcar struggles, officials push for new rail system and higher taxes
Oklahoma City’s struggling streetcar system raises important questions about the proposed ONE Transit passenger rail system connecting Edmond, Oklahoma City, and Norman.Ray Carter | August 11, 2026
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Budget & Tax
As taxes fall, revenue climbs in Oklahoma
New state revenue figures show Oklahoma collected more tax revenue in fiscal year 2026 than it did the year before, despite significant tax cuts enacted under Gov. Kevin Stitt.Ray Carter | August 5, 2026
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Budget & Tax
Oklahoma state revenue climbs nearly $1 billion in fiscal year 2026
Oklahoma finished fiscal year 2026 with strong revenue growth as total state tax collections reached $17.91 billion—nearly $1 billion more than the previous year—even after the state's top personal income-tax rate was reduced midway through the fiscal year.Curtis Shelton | July 15, 2026
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Budget & Tax
Oklahoma’s tax cuts improved competitiveness—but the race isn’t over
Although Oklahoma has reduced its top personal income-tax rate from 6.65 percent in 2005 to 4.5 percent today—improving its competitive position relative to many states—the tax-cut race is accelerating elsewhere.Ray Carter | July 1, 2026
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Budget & Tax
Oklahoma welfare rolls are moving in the right direction
Oklahoma’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment fell by 14 percent between February 2025 and February 2026—roughly 97,000 fewer recipients, a decline that outpaced the national average and coincided with increased scrutiny of eligibility verification.Jonathan Small | June 29, 2026
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Budget & Tax
Arkansas surges ahead of Oklahoma in tax competition
After cutting its income tax rate to 3.7 percent—well below Oklahoma’s 4.5 percent rate—Arkansas has strengthened its appeal to workers, families, and higher-income earners relocating from other states.Ray Carter | June 22, 2026
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Budget & Tax, Education
Some Oklahoma lawmakers prioritize gambling over education
Some state lawmakers this year opposed expanding a popular school-choice tax credit that helps families afford private education, while supporting a bill to give tax advantages to individuals with large gambling losses.Jonathan Small | May 18, 2026
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Budget & Tax, Economy
Current and former city officials warn SQ 832 could mean higher taxes
Current and former local officials warn that State Question 832 would force cities and towns to raise taxes, hike utility rates, or slash services to keep up with spiraling payroll costs and the inevitable revenue hits from business closures and job losses.Ray Carter | May 5, 2026
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Budget & Tax
Oklahoma Senate panel advances plan to redirect tobacco-settlement funds
Oklahoma lawmakers are moving to give voters a say in redirecting a portion of the state’s $2.2 billion Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, citing decades of poor health outcomes despite heavy TSET spending.Ray Carter | April 23, 2026
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Budget & Tax, Education
Democrat lawmakers blast Oklahoma school-choice cost, support bigger tax break for gambling losses
Legislation to raise Oklahoma’s school-choice tax-credit cap by $25 million sparked fierce complaints from opponents who said the program drains state revenue—yet those same critics voiced no concern when approving a different bill that hands gamblers more than $25 million in tax breaks.Ray Carter | April 20, 2026