Senate President Pro Tem Mike Schulz released Monday, just before the special session began, the Senate Republicans’ plan to address the budget gap. It would increase the cigarette tax by a $1.50 a pack, increase the motor fuels tax by six-cents and eliminate the wind manufacturer sales tax.
“This plan not only addresses the immediate need of $215 million for critical health care agencies that was struck down in court, but it also provides recurring revenue streams to help us address the long-term stability of the budget and prevent further cuts to core government services,” said Schulz.
He said this package is similar to what was proposed by Senate Republicans during the regular session.
“Oklahoma Senate Republicans have proven our willingness to address the state’s long-term budget problems by passing a similar revenue package during the regular session. The elements of this plan for special session were fully vetted by the Senate during the regular session, and all received the necessary votes to pass constitutional muster. I’m confident Senate Republicans, if given the chance, again will put Oklahoma’s interests first and will be able to pass this responsible revenue plan that ensures education, public safety, transportation and other core services avoid further cuts.”
If the plan is adopted by the Legislature and signed by Governor Fallin, it would generate this fiscal year $128.9 million from the cigarette tax, $71 million from the motor fuels tax, and nearly $11 million from the elimination of the wind manufacturer sales tax. Schulz’ plan also requires the withdrawal of $15.2 million from the Rainy Day Fund.
The budget hole is the immediate issue Schulz wants to tackle, however, he is open to finding a permanent funding source for a teacher pay raise and help shore up future state budgets.
“Senate Republicans have said all along we must first address the short-term budget issues before acting on a teacher pay raise plan. Once we take care of the budget, Senate Republicans would consider a teacher pay plan that includes a permanent funding source,” Schulz said. “Additionally, Senate Republicans will keep working on making government more efficient and effective. We’ll keep pouring over agency spending and look at options like consolidation to improve the quality and delivery of services. There’s no doubt agencies can be more efficient in spending taxpayer dollars, and Senate Republicans will keep working on behalf of Oklahomans to make sure that happens.”
Schulz’s post specifically mentioned ‘Senate Republicans‘ nine times. He appears to be unusually proud of the actions of his beloved ‘Senate Republicans’. In fact, the current status of the financial condition of our state is due totally to the previous actions of the infamous ‘Senate Republicans’.
I would suggest that Schulz might consider the term ‘Senate Oklahomans’ as a possible cure for our fiscal failure. His stated solutions to get our heads out of water are the same stale actions that failed, and will cause yet another special 30k/day session.
When will we ever learn?