STATEMENT: Governor’s plan to fix bridges demonstrates need to preserve income tax

Oklahoma Policy Institute released the following statement in response to Governor Fallin’s announcement of her plan for repairing Oklahoma bridges:

We welcome Governor Fallin’s focus on fixing Oklahoma’s crumbling bridges. However, we must note that her proposal would be paid for entirely by diverting more income tax revenues from an already cash-strapped state budget. At the same time, Governor Fallin and other state leaders are promoting further cuts or outright abolition of the income tax. This should remind us that the income tax remains vital for funding Oklahoma’s needs and that we cannot meet our obligations to pay our bills while undermining our revenue base.

CONTACT: David Blatt, dblatt@okpolicy.org, (918) 794-3944