Tax cuts now, crisis later: Oklahoma’s unsustainable budget

As usual, Oklahoma’s legislative session ended with a flurry of fiscal and budget bills in the last two weeks of the session. The legislature has one constitutional requirement every year: pass a balanced budget. In doing so, the legislature decides… Read more [More...]

Policy Matters: When lawmakers cut budgets, it rolls downhill

In government, just like in nature, everything rolls downhill. And when budget cuts start cascading downwards, it’s not the mountaintop that feels the hit – it’s the town in the valley. [More...]

The governor’s agenda isn’t a plan — it’s a power grab (Commentary)

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. [More...]

A bad time for a tax cut (Commentary)

I've seen 12 Oklahoma legislative sessions, and I am at this point pretty well accustomed to the mounting drama at 23rd and Lincoln as sine die draws near. However, this spring has been even wilder than usual. Topped off by Wednesday's surprise announcement that the governor and legislative leaders had, behind closed doors, struck a deal with both an immediate tax cut and a triggered tax cut. [More...]

OK Policy Statement on FY 26 Budget Process and Proposed Tax Cuts

While the governor says he wants to make Oklahoma more "pro-business," his rhetoric doesn't match what business leaders call for. Instead of investing in these areas, this proposal includes poorly designed tax cuts that will strip hundreds of millions from state revenue — making it even harder to deliver on the basics Oklahomans expect. [More...]

You shouldn’t have to touch a hot stove twice: Triggered tax cuts are bad for Oklahoma

Automatic triggered tax cuts provide little to no financial relief for low- and middle-income families, jeopardize the state's fiscal health, and limit investment in Oklahoma's already underfunded public services. [More...]

Now is time for long-term planning, not short-term politics (Commentary)

What if you gave away the biggest tax cut in Oklahoma history, and no one noticed? That’s the reality facing the governor and the legislative leaders he’s trying to pressure to pass income tax cuts that benefit the wealthiest Oklahomans.… Read more [More...]

Oklahomans get what we pay for (Policy Matters)

• This column originally ran in the Journal Record on Feb. 7, 2024 • OK Policy Advocacy Alert: Tell lawmakers to oppose tax cuts that benefit the wealthy and risk critical services Oklahomans pay among the least in taxes when… Read more [More...]

Lawmakers should choose targeted relief amidst budget uncertainty

State-level budget and tax policy matters deeply for Oklahomans because it directly affects how the state can meet its obligations to our fellow residents. This includes shared services like public safety, education, transportation construction, workforce development, and other programs that… Read more [More...]

Let’s not kid ourselves: Oklahoma can’t run without income tax revenue

Income tax is a necessary revenue source for Oklahoma’s fiscal health. Reducing or eliminating income taxes provides almost no relief for the segment of Oklahoma’s population who needs it most: low- and middle-class taxpayers. In fact, the elimination of income… Read more [More...]