Sen. Stephens disappointed in special session adjournment

OKLAHOMA CITY - Sen. Blake “Cowboy” Stephens, R-Tahlequah, released the following statement Thursday regarding the special session.

“Earlier this year, we successfully eliminated the corporate franchise tax and the marriage penalty tax, and this special session gave us another opportunity to provide tax relief for all hardworking Oklahomans. I was surprised and disheartened that we adjourned so quickly without figuring out a way to responsibly lower the personal income tax. We’ve been fiscally conservative and built up historic savings in recent years to protect vital state services during economic downturns and have made record investments in education, public safety, and other important areas. Now our citizens deserve tax relief as well to help counteract the growing financial burden from out-of-control national inflation and the slowing economy.

“Oklahomans deserve real tax reform, and the Senate has been working hard the last several months to come up with the best solutions. I’m looking forward to further discussions on meaningful tax reform, including not just lowering the personal income tax but also possibly eliminating the state tax on groceries – real reforms that will help Oklahomans while protecting critical state services.”

Sen. Stephens: (405) 521-5574 or Blake.Stephens@oksenate.gov