OK Policy Issues Agenda for Broad-Based Prosperity

The Oklahoma Policy Institute has begun circulating a set of policy proposals it believes will help correct the state’s funding issues. The “Agenda for Broad-Based Prosperity” outlines steps lawmakers could make to increase revenues.

“If we don’t take steps to bring our revenues in line with the cost of providing basic services, then our structural deficit will continue to grow, and we will risk severe damage to our economic legacy for future generations,” said David Blatt, OK Policy’s Executive Director.

To develop a better budget, OK Policy recommends lawmakers should cancel the next income tax cut, restore a top income tax rate for very high incomes ($200,000 for married couples, $100,000 for individuals), ending and closing tax credits and tax loopholes, strengthening the Sales Tax Relief Credit and state Earned Income Tax Credit, repealing the tax increase supermajority requirement, and make the budget process more transparent.

The state policy think tank also is pushing for policy changes it feels would lead to better jobs and expanded economic opportunities. Those measures include accepting federal funds to bring healthcare to more working poor, enacting family-friendly worker protections, increase consumer protections against predatory, high-interest loans, increase the minimum wage, and curb the court fees related to minor crimes.

“Right now, many Oklahomans are being left out of economic opportunity even when the overall economy grows,” said DeVon Douglass, OK Policy’s policy analyst for economic opportunity and coordinator of the Oklahoma Assets Network. “These policy proposals would help restore America’s basic bargain – that if you work hard, you have a chance to get ahead.”

You can review OK Policy’s “Agenda for Broad-Based Prosperity” here.


Print pagePDF pageEmail page

*

Copyright © The McCarville Report