OKPOLICY.ORG
Make no mistake: The latest tax cut push announced by Gov. Stitt and legislative leaders has nothing to do with sound policy. It’s about power — and protecting a political legacy at the expense of Oklahoma’s future.
The governor frequently emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility. However, his actions tell a different story. As governor, he has a crucial responsibility to guarantee that public schools are funded, protect access to health care, and ensure the safety of our communities — a responsibility he refuses to uphold. Instead, he is forcing lawmakers to gamble with core services, potentially jeopardizing the quality of education, health care, and public safety — all so he can achieve one more political win before his term ends.
And let’s be clear: Gov. Stitt isn’t pushing to eliminate Oklahoma’s income tax because it will benefit everyday families. He’s using his political power to strong-arm lawmakers into building a legacy of cuts, regardless of the consequences. And those consequences are steep.
The proposed quarter-percent tax cut would return just a few dollars a week to most Oklahomans — but at a staggering cost to the state, nearly $400 million a year. It’s a reckless trade-off that threatens to seriously strain our state’s finances. Behind closed doors, even lawmakers from his own party will admit that the numbers don’t add up. They understand this plan doesn’t make financial sense.
But instead of working toward real solutions, the governor threatens vetoes and engages in political games. He has exercised his veto power a record number of times this year — often appearing spiteful. He has informed legislators that he will block their bills unless they provide him with the tax cuts he desires. That’s not negotiation. That’s hostage-taking.
It’s especially dangerous for Republican lawmakers who want to prioritize their constituents first. If they push back, they risk being punished in the next primary. The message is clear: fall in line or face the consequences. That is not how responsible government functions, and that is not how democracy should operate.
This isn’t leadership; it’s bullying wrapped in a tax cut.
The people of Oklahoma deserve better. We need leaders who prioritize people over politics — who remember that their job is to represent us, not to serve one man’s ambitions.
It’s not merely a matter of preference; it is a question of responsible governance that we urgently need.
The governor claims he desires freedom. However, his hold on power is currently stifling honest debate. True freedom means being able to send your children to a fully funded public school. It involves accessing vital health care for you or your loved ones without being forced out of state. It means knowing your community is safe, stable, and supported.
We cannot afford to continue pursuing short-term wins at the expense of long-term costs. It is time to stop playing politics with our future.
