Articles
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Budget & Tax, Health Care
As TSET endowment grows, so do questions about spending
The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) preliminarily certified $64.8 million for fiscal year 2018. These earnings come from the $1.2 billion endowment for TSET. As the endowment has grown, the scope of the trust has expanded from tobacco-related programs to some questionable areas.Curtis Shelton | November 7, 2018
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Budget & Tax
A look at the October 2018 economic report
The Oklahoma State Treasurer released the monthly report for October revenue collections. Total Gross Receipts collected in October were $1,138.5 million—up 16.1 percent, or $158.3 million, from the same month last year.Curtis Shelton | November 7, 2018
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Budget & Tax, Health Care
Who’s like whom?
There’s been a lot of talk lately about which of the gubernatorial candidates is most like the current governor. Let’s look at it.Jonathan Small | October 26, 2018
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Budget & Tax, Good Government
Paying career politicians
Democracy doesn’t work when we let politicians spend future generations’ money. It’s taxation without representation. It’s also something we do every day in the United States and in Oklahoma.Jonathan Small | October 19, 2018
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Budget & Tax
September 2018 sets record revenue collections
Total Gross Receipts collected in September 2018 set a record high of $1.15 billion—an increase of 14.1%, or $141.4 million, from the same month in the prior year. Record highs have now been set during the first three months of this fiscal year.Curtis Shelton | October 17, 2018
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Budget & Tax
Some politicians, public employees get pension perks
“Double dipping” refers to a scenario wherein a retired government worker returns to work in a job covered by the same pension system and receives a salary—while also receiving or accruing pension benefits from their prior position.Jonathan Small & Mike Brake | October 9, 2018
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Budget & Tax, Economy
Oklahoma falls in national tax climate report
The Tax Foundation’s 2019 State Business Tax Climate Index ranks Oklahoma 26 overall. This is Oklahoma’s worst ranking in the last four years and five spots lower than last year.Curtis Shelton | October 8, 2018
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Budget & Tax
A look at the August 2018 economic report
Total Gross Receipts collected in August came in at $995.1 million—a 13.1%, or $115.4 million, increase from the same month in the prior year. Similarly, the General Revenue Fund grew by 9.9% coming in at $454.6 million. New revenue from legislative changes amounted to $18.3 million, or 16%, of this month’s growth.Curtis Shelton | September 17, 2018
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Budget & Tax, Education
Don’t ignore teacher retirement benefits
When discussing teacher compensation, nearly all the focus revolves around average salaries. But ignoring teacher retirement benefits also ignores the cost to taxpayers.Curtis Shelton | September 12, 2018
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Budget & Tax
A look at August 2018 gross receipts
Tax and fee increases passed during the 2018 session took effect in August, but most of the revenue growth came from a growing economy. Legislative changes resulted in $18.3 million, or 16%, of the total growth for the month.Curtis Shelton | September 10, 2018