Category: Press Releases & Statements

Fact Check: Will Oklahoma families save $800 a year from eliminating the state portion of the grocery sales tax?

On Aug. 14, Gov. Kevin Stitt said that Oklahoma would again not be participating in a summer food program for hungry schoolchildren. In that announcement, his spokesperson suggested it was not necessary, in part, because "Governor Stitt delivered for families by signing the grocery tax elimination bill, saving Oklahomans an average of about $800 per year at the grocery store." Our fact check shows this is not true. [More...]

Statement: All children have the fundamental right to an education – July 31, 2024

the state superintendent announced that the Oklahoma Department of Education would be issuing guidance to school districts to identify costs and resources associated with educating undocumented immigrant children. OK Policy wants to ensure that Oklahomans understand the historical context — see Plyler v Doe (1982) — about the right of every child in this country to receive a free, public education. [More...]

In The Know: AG: Lawmakers can attend closed meetings | Groping allegations leveled against corp. commissioner | Undocumented immigrants contribute $227M in Oklahoma taxes a year

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

National study: Undocumented immigrants contribute $227M in Oklahoma taxes a year

In Oklahoma, undocumented immigrants contributed $227.5 million in state and local taxes in 2022. Undocumented immigrants pay higher state and local tax rates (8.9%) than the top 1 percent of Oklahoma households (6.4%). [More...]

OK Policy Statement, Re: Budget Agreement Announced on May 22, 2024

We are grateful that legislative leaders held extended budget discussions in a public forum this month. This process opened new levels of fiscal transparency that Oklahomans deserve when it comes to seeing how their tax dollars are spent. [More...]

OK Policy Institute to Host FREE Sales Tax Relief Credit Virtual Town Hall Meeting Thursday, May 9

Oklahoma has a tax credit on the books designed to help low- and middle-income families, but the amount of the credit hasn't been adjusted in more than three decades. OK Policy and TogetherOK will host a virtual town hall on Thursday, May 9, so Oklahomans can learn how they can increase the value of their Sales Tax Relief Credit for tax savings.  [More...]

Fact Check: Has Oklahoma’s larceny rate skyrocketed since SQ 780 was passed in 2016? No. 

Some lawmakers and others have shared OSBI data purporting to show a dramatic increase in larceny, shoplifting, or other property crimes. OSBI has said those spikes were created by changes in data reporting, not increases in crime.  [More...]

Statement: Elimination of grocery sales tax is far too little support for low- and middle-income families

While elimination of the state portion of the grocery sales tax provides a measure of financial relief to some Oklahomans, it’s far too little support for our low - and middle-income families and seniors who need it most.  [More...]

Fact check: Will Oklahomans still pay sales tax on groceries?

Lawmakers have eliminated the state portion of the sales tax on groceries, which is 4.5 percent. Oklahomans buying groceries will still be paying city sales/use taxes (up to 5.5 percent) and county sales taxes (up to 2.5 percent). [More...]

Statement: Eliminating the state portion of grocery sales tax isn’t the most effective way to deliver fiscal relief

Given available options, eliminating the state portion of the sales tax on groceries is neither fiscally responsible nor the most effective way to put money back in pockets of everyday Oklahomans. [More...]