Gary Richardson is taking a swipe at Lt. Governor Todd Lamb over sales tax exemptions. The Oklahoman recently reported Lamb has called for modifying or removing some of the $6.7 billion in sales tax exemptions.
Richardson is calling for Republicans to reject Lamb’s idea.
“How could anyone in his right mind believe the solution to Oklahoma’s problems is to levy new taxes on schools, churches and farmers?” Richardson asks in a statement condemning Lamb’s idea. “20% of our school districts are down to four-day school weeks, our churches serve the poor in our communities, and the last thing our farmers and ranchers need is another government burden. I cannot think of a more illogical response than demanding a new state sales tax on every capital purchase made by schools, churches, farmers and ranchers. Oklahoma desperately needs systemic changes to its budgeting process but this scheme would place the burden squarely on the shoulders of our children and most vulnerable citizens.”
Richardson would rather see the state perform forensic audits of every state agency to find fraud, waste and corruption before considering tax hikes.
“I have put together a plan with detailed solutions, specific economic impact and tremendous savings to the taxpayers of Oklahoma. We need a political outsider to govern this state. If someone has been a public servant for 14 years, yet is unable to campaign on his own record, it’s clear we desperately need a change in leadership. You cannot solve the problem if you are the problem,” said Richardson.
