Don't Pay for Tax Cuts on the Backs of Working Oklahoma Families

Proposals being considered by the Governor and legislative leaders would offset a cut to Oklahoma’s top personal income tax rate by eliminating one or more broad-based state tax credits that are claimed by hundreds of thousands of working Oklahoma families. The at-risk credits include the sales tax relief credit, the earned income tax credit and the child/child care tax credit. These credits are important for numerous reasons:

A poll released by the Oklahoma Advocacy Project shows strong opposition among Oklahomans to reducing and eliminating the state income tax. The poll finds that large majorities oppose a tax cut if it means less funding for schools, roads, and public safety. The poll also shows voter concern that cutting the income tax will lead to higher sales and property taxes to make up for lost revenues.

CLICK HERE for the memo and survey results from pollster Global Strategy

Sample Messages

You can use the information below for emails, letters and phone calls to legislators. CLICK HERE for subject-specific fact sheets and CLICK HERE for names and contact information of elected officials you should contact

1A: HERE IS A SAMPLE FIRST PARAGRAPH [PART IN YELLOW OPTIONAL AND CAN BE VARIED TO YOUR CONCERNS]

TALKING POINTS: Why Tax Cuts Are Not the Right Priority for Oklahoma

• Eliminating the income tax is fiscally reckless. Once we decide to cut taxes, we cannot reverse course if things don't work out. Credit rating and municipal bond agencies have expressed strong concerns about proposals to eliminate the income tax.
• At a time of falling natural gas prices and economic uncertainty, we need to be especially cautious about any action that could lead to further shortfalls.
• read more »

Why Saving The Income Tax Is Critical For Oklahoma

1. Income tax provides one-third of all state revenue. The state could not provide essential services without the income tax unless other taxes were drastically increased.

9 Reasons Why Oklahoma Should Preserve the State Income Tax

1. Income tax provides one-third of all state revenue. The state could not provide basic, essential services without income tax revenue unless other taxes were drastically increased. State income taxes pay for salary and benefits for 17,000 classroom teachers, 19,000 Oklahoma’s Promise scholarships, incarceration costs for 9,300 inmates, health care for 430,000 children, and more.

Why Saving The Income Tax Is Critical For Public Safety

Why Saving The Income Tax Is Critical For Oklahomans with Disabilities

1. Income tax provides one-third of all state tax revenue. The state could not provide core services without the income tax unless other taxes were dramatically raised.

Why Saving The Income Tax Is Critical For Oklahoma's Children

1. Income tax provides one-third of all state revenue. The state could not provideessential services without the income tax unless other taxes were dramatically increased.

Why Saving The Income Tax Is Critical For Low-Income Oklahomans