State Chamber backs budget proposal

The State Chamber of Commerce is backing a proposed series of tax increases just days before the state Legislature convenes for its regular session.

Called the Step Up Oklahoma plan, a statewide group of business and civic leaders have proposed a variety of tax increases as a way to fill a state budget deficit and fund a $5,000 statewide teacher pay raise. The proposal also calls for structural changes aimed at improving governmental accountability.

“We are excited to join the Step Up movement,” said chamber President and CEO Fred Morgan on Friday, the same day the chamber’s board of directors voted to endorse the plan.

The Step Up Oklahoma proposal calls for raising gross production, motor fuel and cigarette taxwes, while eliminating certain individual income tax deductions and loopholes. It also calls for creating an office to ferret out waste in state government.

The Norman Chamber’s board of directors also announced its support Friday.

“Our state has languished in recent years due to revenue shortfalls and bureaucratic inefficiencies that have stifled economic prosperity and growth,” said Scott Martin, the Norman Chamber’s president. If our governor and state legislators embrace this plan, they will take a significant step toward repositioning Oklahoma for greatness.”

With the 2018 legislative session slated to begin on Monday, Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall announced this week he believes he can get most of his Republican caucus to support the budget plan. He challenged the same from Democrats, who will be needed to meet the state’s high voter threshold for revenue-raising measures.

Backers of the plan have gathered support from dozens of business and advocacy organizations, with the State Chamber being one of the largest.

“It is time for our state to come together around a workable solution,” said Sean Trauschke, the State Chamber board chairman.

“The Step Up Oklahoma plan will allow our state to refocus its energies on growing our economy and providing the quality of life, health and education that Oklahomans deserve.”