Articles

The time has come to reform TSET in two ways. First, new tobacco settlement dollars should be redirected to high-priority health care needs (rural hospitals, care for veterans, etc.). Second, TSET’s endowment should be reduced, capped, and limited to helping people quit smoking and to health care needs related to smoking (what most people thought TSET was about in the first place).

Because taxing income means disincentivizing paid work, OCPA advocates shifting the state of Oklahoma away from reliance on income taxes. Moreover, state lawmakers should eliminate the possibility of local income taxes within Oklahoma—while allowing city governments to access available and stable sources of revenue to support the legitimate ends of local government.

Does a new poll commissioned by Oklahoma’s largest teachers union show that Oklahomans want their taxes raised? From the press release, op-ed, and media coverage, you might think so. Except that the poll itself says just about the opposite.

The Trump Administration yesterday announced a shift in Medicaid policy that will allow more diversity in how states design medical welfare programs.

By refusing to adopt the Obamacare Medicaid expansion, Oklahoma lawmakers stood up for the premise that Medicaid should remain a safety net for the most vulnerable, not an entitlement for able-bodied adults.

Current state law provides “a cash rebate of 35-37% on qualifying Oklahoma expenditures to film and television productions filming in the state,” plus a sales tax exemption.

Why does a state agency award grants for “alcohol use prevention” while promoting bars? And why would any state agency spend money to promote “drag shows” and other raunchy programs at nightclubs?

The Attorney General’s opinion takes the position that money in the Constitutional Reserve Fund is entirely up for grabs, so long as whoever does the grabbing does not call it an appropriation.

Time to reform TSET: Stop Spending on Night Clubs, Billboards, and Overpaid Executives

Because it would require a vote of the people, this reform would not immediately produce revenue for this budget. But it would free up about $50 million per year in revenue, rather than demanding more from taxpayers.