Oklahoma House, Senate leadership not on same page regarding tax cuts ahead of special session
Earlier this week, Stitt called for a special session to address tax cuts
Earlier this week, Stitt called for a special session to address tax cuts
Earlier this week, Stitt called for a special session to address tax cuts
Oklahoma lawmakers are once again not on the same page when it comes to tax cuts.
House Speaker Charles McCall told reporters on Thursday that he agrees with Gov. Kevin Stitt that now is the time to cut taxes for Oklahomans.
Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat said a day ago that he thinks the economy remains too shaky to reduce state revenue. McCall argued tax cuts would do just the opposite.
"Where we are in Oklahoma is the best time ever that we've experienced, and we've been on that path, that trajectory for four years," McCall said.
The House speaker argued not only can Oklahoma afford a tax cut, but Oklahomans are in need of such relief.
"They're still experiencing high levels of inflation in their personal budgets, and we should give them a tax break," McCall said.
On Wednesday, Treat said now is not the time to do that and that Oklahoma cannot afford a cut or reduction.
| MORE | Gov. Kevin Stitt calls for special session demanding tax fairness, cuts
"Which schools is he going to close? Which public safety programs are we going to cancel? Are the tax credits we just passed for school choice? Are we going to have to rescind some of those?" Treat asked.
McCall argued cuts would do just the opposite, and they would drive people and businesses to Oklahoma and bring in more revenue than taxes would.
"Tax cuts themselves don't mean less revenue for the state," McCall said. "I think those who would say it's $4 billion of income to the state are not looking at the dynamics of when you lower taxes, people spend more."
McCall said he has not met with either Treat or Stitt to decide what they want to see for special sessions. However, the House speaker said he will come ready with several pieces of legislation that answer the governor's call for cuts.
Earlier this week, Stitt called for a special session to address tax cuts. McCall said he's ready to be at the Capitol for several days when the session starts on Oct. 3.
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