OK Senate Passes Tax Hike, Headed Back To House
‘Last chance’ tax hikes headed to Oklahoma House
by Dale Denwalt
Oklahoma Senate lawmakers are urging the House to adopt a package of tax hikes that could fill most of the budget shortfall, provide recurring revenue and pay for teacher and state employee salary increases.
The bill is considered by the Senate to be the “last chance” for lawmakers to avoid raiding the state government’s piggy bank and cutting the rest.
The measure adopted Monday is virtually identical to other proposals considered during the special session, but so far it is the only one to get this close to becoming law. If the House can muster 76 votes for its approval, it would be eligible for the governor’s signature.
Gov. Mary Fallin endorsed the bill after the bipartisan vote; just five Republican senators voted against.