The 2012 legislative session has begun, and it could be an historic year for taxpayers. With state spending at an all-time high, phasing out the state’s personal income tax is quite possible if lawmakers choose to put an end to waste, inefficiency, and spending on non-core functions.

One example of non-core spending involves appropriations to the Oklahoma Department of Consumer Credit (OKDOCC). According to its website, “The Department is responsible for the regulation of consumer credit sales and consumer loans in the State of Oklahoma. The Department is also responsible for the licensing and regulation of mortgage brokers, mortgage loan originators, pawnshops, deferred deposit lenders, rental purchase lessors, health spa contracts, credit service organizations, and precious metal and gem dealers.” The industries and products regulated by the OKDOCC are used by some and not used by others. This is not a core function of government which should be supported by general taxes on all Oklahomans. The OKDOCC has acknowledged that it can be operated completely from fee revenue of those producing, selling, or utilizing these products.

Just as is the case with the NACEA and the OSIDA, the OKDOCC is ripe for non-appropriation. Let’s hope that in 2012 lawmakers keep their focus on taxpayer relief and on funding only core functions of government. This will be accomplished by eliminating waste, inefficiency, and non-core spending. Putting an end to taxpayer funding for the OKDOCC, and freeing it to succeed based on user support, is a great place to start.