House Democrats Bring Back “Restoring Oklahoma” Plan as Solution to Budget Hole

The House Democratic Caucus met Thursday to discuss potential revenue measures for consideration should the Governor call for a special session. State Rep. and House Minority Leader Scott Inman said a special legislative session was necessary in order to backfill the $215 million hole after the Oklahoma Supreme Court last week declared a $1.50 per pack fee on cigarettes unconstitutional.  He said Democrats will stick with their original “Restoring Oklahoma” plan should the Oklahoma Legislature convene to tackle the budget issues.

“Democrats first presented a solution to these financial woes back in March, and we still believe it is the best option for Oklahoma,” said Inman. “Our caucus is disheartened because we fail to see a long-term strategy on the opposite side of the aisle. If there were ever a time to have a well-defined plan, it is now. The Democrats have that.”

The Restoring Oklahoma plan was originally introduced by House Democrats in March, during the legislative session. The plan included more than $1 billion in revenue proposals. The plan included increasing the Gross Production Tax to five percent, reversal of recent income tax cuts and a cigarette tax. Some elements in the Resorting Oklahoma plan were proposed, however, the House Democrats voted against them during the session in a stance against Republican proposals. The original proposal can be found at this link.

Inman again called on Republican Leaders to discuss revenue measures and use a special session not only to fill the current budget hole but, to also set the state budget on a more stable path for the long-term.

Inman pushed back against the idea that $215 million could be filled by across-the-board cuts, saying lawmakers who pursued that option would need to “answer to their maker.”

“We won’t stand idly by while Republican lawmakers continue to slash agencies that have endured devastating blows time and time again. We should have made smart decisions while we were in session this past spring. The least we can do at this point is make wise choices now so rural hospitals won’t continue to be forced to file for bankruptcy and agencies won’t be left in the lurch,” Inman said.


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