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.

2. Oklahoma’s children are faring poorly in many areas. Almost one in four Oklahoma children live in poverty and the state struggles with high rates of child abuse and neglect, child health problems, and poor educational outcomes. Without adequate funding for public services, more children will be denied the chance to succeed.

3. Children’s services have already absorbed major cuts. Three years of budget cuts have led to rising caseloads, acute staffing shortages, waiting lists, and the elimination of key programs. We must invest more to bolster our frayed child welfare system and meet the needs of children with disabilities and mental illness.

4. Many families with children would pay more in state income tax. To pay for some or all of the cost of cuts to the top income tax rate, various proposals would do away with tax preferences that benefit families. The state child tax credit, child care credit, earned income tax credit, and personal exemption have all been targeted for elimination. Low- and moderate-income families would face the largest tax increases under these plans.

What You Can Do Today

1. Get Informed. Resources to learn more about the income tax debate are freely available athttps://okpolicy.org/take-action

2. Contact Elected Officials. Let your elected representatives and the top officials who are making decisions on taxes and the budget know how you feel. Your voice can be heard!

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