Articles
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Budget & Tax
Workers' comp success helps Oklahoma move up in economic ranking
The American Legislative Exchange Council recently released its annual publication on state competitiveness, Rich States, Poor States.Curtis Shelton | April 24, 2019
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Budget & Tax
Economists differ on Oklahoma’s budget future
Despite approval of roughly $1 billion in tax increases over the last three years, a new report claims Oklahoma will face “persistent” shortfalls that reach more than $1 billion by 2030 and “draconian cuts” to state services will occur unless lawmakers approve additional large tax increases. But some economic experts say policymakers should view such claims with caution.Ray Carter | April 22, 2019
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Budget & Tax, Health Care
Amid doctor shortage, TSET spending draws lawmakers’ concern
New data shows the state’s Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, or TSET, has spent as much of Oklahoma’s tobacco-settlement funds on promoting bars and supporting a boathouse as on recruiting doctors to rural areas. That has lawmakers questioning the trust’s effectiveness.Ray Carter | April 18, 2019
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Budget & Tax
Federal-funds transparency measure advancing in Legislature
Senate Bill 271, by Sen. Nathan Dahm and Rep. Kyle Hilbert, requires state agencies to report “all federal funds” used by the agency in a transparent manner.Ray Carter | April 17, 2019
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Budget & Tax
More people moving out of Oklahoma than moving in
A recent analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City shows more people moving out of Oklahoma than moving in. This has closely followed the business cycle of the oil industry and changes to the personal income tax.Curtis Shelton | April 16, 2019
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Budget & Tax
State tax collections continue to climb
Total Gross Receipts collected in March 2019 were $1.06 billion—an increase of 10.3 percent, or $101 million, from the same month in the prior year.Curtis Shelton | April 15, 2019
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Budget & Tax
Misplaced priorities at TSET
Curtis Shelton | April 11, 2019
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Budget & Tax
Total gross receipts increase again
The Oklahoma State Treasurer released the monthly report for March revenue collections.Curtis Shelton | April 8, 2019
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Budget & Tax
With an eye on commodity prices, policymakers look for ‘stability through savings’
A crash in oil prices from 2014 to 2016 also cratered Oklahoma government revenues. That scenario could repeat should oil prices experience a similar decline again, based on a new report, a finding with much significance as Gov. Kevin Stitt and lawmakers debate whether and how much to increase state savings for future downturns.Ray Carter | April 5, 2019
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Budget & Tax
New Tax Foundation property tax map
Many tax consumers claim Oklahoma is a low-tax state, but state taxes are near the national average. It is local taxes that are low, as shown by the Tax Foundation's latest map of per capita property tax collections.Curtis Shelton | April 2, 2019