It’s time to cease political tug-of-war,

AS a special session approaches the five-week mark, Gov. Mary Fallin and Republican leaders have offered a budget plan that avoids potentially dire cuts to three major health agencies, and provides pay raises to teachers and state workers. It’s a proposal Democrats should support, since they claim they want all these things.

Instead Democrats immediately signaled their opposition, because the plan doesn’t include an increase in the gross production tax (GPT) paid by energy companies. House Minority Leader Scott Inman’s demand that the industry pay its “fair share” is hogwash.

The oil and gas industry in Oklahoma already pays more in state taxes — by far — than any other industry. And in the past two years, lawmakers have boosted taxes on energy producers by roughly $261 million.

Boosting the GPT on new wells to 5 percent, from its current 2 percent, as Inman insists, would generate about $20 million — while negatively impacting drilling in a way that could more than offset what the tax would yield. Meantime, House Democrats also desire an income tax increase on “the rich” — those earning more than $250,000 annually— which would generate $36 million.

The GOP plan, which could be voted on Wednesday in the House, would generate about $450 million through a new $1.50-per-pack tax on cigarettes, increases in other tobacco taxes, a 6-cents-per-gallon fuel tax increase, and by imposing a consumption tax on 3.2 beer. The revenue would fund $3,000 pay raises for teachers and $1,000 raises for state workers, and fill an immediate $215 million budget hole.

The plan also restores the earned income tax credit for low-income tax filers, which was taken off the books last year amid much outcry from Democrats.

Simply put, Inman’s preferred taxes won’t even prevent budget cuts caused by loss of the cigarette fee approved by lawmakers this spring and rejected as unconstitutional, let alone prevent additional shortfalls next year or provide a teacher pay raise. For Inman and his caucus to spurn this plan for what amounts to Bernie Sanders-style symbolism would be the height of irresponsibility.

Like most Oklahomans, we believe taxes should be kept as low as possible. But if they are increased, “sin” taxes and taxes on consumption create less economic harm than taxes that deter investment and discourage work. For that reason, this plan is preferable to many alternatives.

Admittedly, few drivers will cheer higher fuel taxes. But Oklahoma’s rate hasn’t been increased since the late 1980s and is among the lowest in the nation. Also, it’s estimated up to 40 percent of revenue from the tax is paid by out-of-state drivers.

Furthermore, this Fallin-GOP tax plan, when combined with all other tax and fee increases enacted in recent years, means the Legislature will have enacted more than $900 million in tax and fee increases over several years. For Inman and Democrats to insist Oklahomans still haven’t paid enough is nonsense.

Anti-tax Republicans have given ground in this process. The result isn’t a perfect solution, but it solves the most pressing problem facing the Legislature while providing overdue pay raises, minimizing future budget shortfalls and preventing significant cuts to vital health agencies. Democrats and Republicans alike need to support this plan. The time for trying to score crass political points is over.