State of Oklahoma Archives: on Tax Reform
Josh Breechen:
Don't allow ball and dice games at casinos to raise revenue
Legislative Summary: HB3375: The bill provides state approval for new game offerings under the State Tribal Gaming Act. Tribes may elect to begin offering
non-house banked table games and sports pools.KFOR Oklahoma's News-4 analysis:
The Grand Casino in Shawnee went live with something they've never had before--ball and dice. The casino has long had their own versions of roulette and craps but they were played with cards instead of a ball and dice.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 68-22-9 on Mar/8/18; Passed Senate 29-16-3 on Apr/6/18; State Sen. Josh Breechen voted NO; Signed by Governor Mary Fallin on Apr/10/18
Source: KFOR Oklahoma's News-4 on Oklahoma HB3375 voting records
Apr 6, 2018
Chris Powell:
Oppose higher taxes on the wealthy
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Higher taxes on the wealthy"?
A: Strongly oppose.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Oklahoma Governor candidate
May 15, 2018
Frank Keating:
Government spending is not the government's money
We understand that the money we spend here is not our money. It belongs to the men and women of our state who earn it day-by-day, hour-by-hour, for the purpose of putting their children through school,
permitting themselves to have a safe and secure retirement. This year we will have a significant surplus to spend or to give back in the nature of tax cuts. But look what we've done in the course of the last five years -- nearly six years now.
We have made significant progress in giving back some of the money to the people. We enacted the largest tax cut ever in state's history. We cut the income tax from seven percent to six-and-three-quarters percent.
And, no great surprise, because we are permitting more Oklahomans to keep more of their money, our state is more prosperous than ever before.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Oklahoma legislature
Feb 5, 2001
Frank Keating:
Lower state income tax rate from 6.75% to 3.75%
We have analyzed what has held us back, and one of those reasons is we tax everything. Oklahoma's high marginal income tax rate chills savings and investment and it is at the same rate as the capital gains tax. So if you have a small business in
Oklahoma, you will leave the state to sell it and we will lose you, your productivity, your investment and your genius forever. That is unacceptable. I propose to cut the state income tax by half a point and to continue that half point cut over the
next six years. This will lower Oklahoma's rate to 3.75%, which is lower than all of our neighbors, except Texas. Oklahoma's current high marginal rate of 6.75% is a scandal. It is higher than Kansas, higher than Missouri, higher than Colorado. And, of
course, it is higher than Texas that has no tax at all. With a top rate kicking in at $10,000 for a single person, it is far more punitive to our lower income residents than even the tax systems of Arkansas and New Mexico. It's time to lower it.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Oklahoma legislature
Feb 5, 2001
Frank Keating:
Reduce and ultimately abolish the estate tax
We have talked about the estate tax and we have worked around the edges, but we haven't done what we have to do. To save Oklahoma's family farms and businesses, we need to become a federal pick up state and slowly,
but ever so surely, reduce and ultimately abolish the estate tax. It is a non-budget item; we can do it this year.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Oklahoma legislature
Feb 5, 2001
Gary Jones:
Taxes must go up but with budget cuts
Jones is a conservative Republican, but he recently released a plan to raise oil and gas taxes to five percent, cap the income tax at five percent, and tax wind generation at five percent. His plan also includes cutting non-essential services, but
Jones says there's really no way lawmakers can solve the state's budget problem without new revenue. "We've got to make some reasonable changes in order to fix what's going on," he said.
Source: KOSU-FM. "School Funding" on 2018 Oklahoma Governor race
May 8, 2017
Gary Richardson:
Smaller government, less taxes, and eliminate waste
We find ourselves in an historic budget crisis where our Republican leaders are proposing close to $1 billion in new taxes, mostly on the backs of lower-income Oklahomans. When our Republican leaders fail to follow Republican principles, it's time to
find new Republican leaders. I believe that our Republican values can lead Oklahoma into prosperity. That's why I am a Republican! As Governor, I will always stand for smaller government, less taxes, and the elimination of government waste!
Source: 2018 Oklahoma governor campaign website GaryRichardson.org
May 2, 2017
James Inhofe:
Make the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent
Rice said he supports certain tax cuts and opposes a windfall-profits tax. Inhofe, with the help of several slides, announced his economic recovery plan, which would divert a portion of the recent $700 billion Wall Street bailout to the FDIC and the
Federal Reserve to shore up the banking system and money markets. Inhofe's plan also includes making the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent, relaxing limits on individual retirement account contributions and temporarily eliminating the capital gains tax.
Source: 2008 Oklahoma Senate Debate reported in The Oklahoman
Oct 15, 2008
Joe Maldonado:
Higher taxes on the wealthy
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Higher taxes on the wealthy"?
A: Hell yes.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Oklahoma Governor candidate
May 15, 2018
Jim Bridenstine:
High taxes inhibit economic growth and job creation
Q: Do you support spending on infrastructure projects for the purpose of job creation?A: No.
Q: Do you support the temporary extension of unemployment benefits?
A: No.
Q: Do you support the 2010 temporary extension of tax relief?
A: Yes. Private capital investment drives economic growth and job creation. Free markets weed out businesses the public is unwilling to support but money-losing, government-supported businesses can and do persist indefinitely.
The federal government has nothing at risk when it "invests" tax payer money. When offering subsidies, tax incentives and loan guarantees the government inappropriately chooses winners and losers.
The Obama Administration's economic policies have inhibited recovery from the recession that began in 2007. I support extension of the 2010 tax relief and making the tax cuts permanent because high taxes inhibit economic growth and job creation.
Source: Oklahoma Congressional 2012 Political Courage Test
Oct 30, 2012
Joe Dorman:
End tax giveaways to those who really don't need a tax break
For the past four years, we've had policies sugar-coated as tax cuts which are actually tax giveaways to those who really don't need a tax break.We've weathered the recession storm but aren't out of the woods just yet.
Job creation comes through common sense tax policies which will put Oklahoma on the forefront as a state that caters to a 21st century economy serving all of its people.
Source: 2014 Oklahoma Gubernatorial campaign website JoeDorman.com
Jul 2, 2014
Joy Hofmeister:
Fiscally conservative but praised tax boosting teacher pay
Hofmeister would not say if she favors raising taxes to increase funding for education and calls herself "fiscally very conservative." However, she praised a 2018 tax increase that funded a pay raise for teachers in the state.
Stitt objected to the tax increase when he ran for governor in 2018, although it was enacted by a Republican-controlled Legislature and governor.
Source: The Frontier on 2022 Oklahoma Gubernatorial race
Oct 22, 2021
Kevin Stitt:
Signed Oklahoma Taxpayer Platform
Kevin Stitt announced that he signed the "Oklahoma Taxpayer Platform" pledge, a 7-point platform announced by Senator Tom Coburn. "I appreciate Tom Coburn's leadership for putting this important platform together that holds candidates accountable to
conservative principles," said Stitt. "The priorities listed by Sen. Coburn resonate with the concerns I have heard from Oklahomans across all 77 counties."- Fiscal Responsibility: State agencies must be subjected to regular audits.
- Limited
Government: Focus on public safety, infrastructure, education, and a safety net for the most vulnerable.
- Structural Reform: eliminate governmental dysfunction, duplication and corruption.
- Fair Taxation: Tax people in the least-burdensome way.
-
Free-Market Environment: Less picking of winners & losers by government.
- Criminal Justice System Reform: Keep citizens safe but don't lock people up unnecessarily.
- State Sovereignty: Provide a barrier between Oklahomans and Federal overreach.
Source: OKTaxpayersUnite press release: 2018 Oklahoma Governor race
Jul 4, 2018
Kevin Stitt:
Shift Oklahoma's tax structure to focus on consumption
Stitt signed the Oklahoma Taxpayer Platform which includes a plank on "Fair Taxation:" Tax people in the least-burdensome way. Income taxes impose a discouraging penalty on work, productivity, personal responsibility,
savings, investment, capital formation and entrepreneurial risk-taking. No income taxes of any kind should be levied by Oklahoma's state and local government. Shift Oklahoma's tax structure to focus on consumption.
This will help Oklahoma become a magnet for private-sector both large and small job creators and productive individuals of all incomes.
The key is to attract more taxpayers, spreading the cost of state and local services among more people and allowing for a lower tax burden on everyone.
Source: OKTaxpayersUnite press release: 2018 Oklahoma Governor race
Jul 4, 2018
Kevin Stitt:
Trump tax cuts leveled playing field to compete globally
Capitalize on President Trump's tax cuts that are leveling the playing field for America to compete in the global market place. With companies moving jobs back to the U.S. and repatriating dollars,
Oklahoma is prime to attract this opportunity and diversify our economy with the right kind of leadership. On my first day as governor, the nation will know that Oklahoma is open for business.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma Gubernatorial website StittForGovernor.com
Jul 4, 2018
Kevin Stitt:
We need more taxpayers; not more taxes
I'm proposing to eliminate the grocery tax. Oklahoma is one of just 13 states that taxes groceries, and ours is one of the highest. Many Oklahomans are already struggling under the weight of record inflation. Let's give them more help this year.
Because, after all, we need more taxpayers, not more taxes. States across the country are continuing to cut taxes on their citizens. My vision is to create a taxpayer protection plan that responsibly lowers income taxes according to our state revenue.
I look forward to working with the Legislature to modernize our tax code this session. Another way to do that is to get rid of the income tax on military retirement benefits.
Our military installations are so important to our state, and we want to keep our retired veterans here in Oklahoma. It's a commonsense way to support those who defend our freedoms.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 7, 2022
Luke Holland:
Follow the Trump playbook: lower taxes; expand opportunity
As Senator, Luke will hold Joe Biden accountable, defend the gains made under Donald Trump and fight to get Trump's agenda back on track. Before Covid, Donald Trump helped foster one of the greatest economic booms this country has ever seen.
Luke wants to get back to basics. Follow the Constitution and the Trump playbook: support law enforcement, lower taxes, expand economic opportunity, and no more bad trade deals.
Source: 2022 Oklahoma Senate campaign website LukeHolland.com
Mar 24, 2022
Mary Fallin:
Oklahoma Way: best place for tax dollars is family's pockets
Oklahomans have worked hard and made sacrifices to get where we are today. We sure don't want to go backwards. And what would take us backwards? Just look at Washington.
Partisan gridlock and political posturing take us backwards. Trampling the Constitution and jeopardizing our freedoms, like our right to keep and bear arms, takes us backwards. Tax increases and reckless spending also take us backwards.
Those are the Washington ways that weigh this country down--that propel us towards fiscal cliffs, recessions and depressions, and give us more of the same.
But the Oklahoma Way is different--we know the best place for taxpayer dollars is in the pockets and bank accounts of Oklahoma families, not funding bigger government or more bureaucracy.
Source: 2013 State of the State to Oklahoma Legislature
Feb 4, 2013
Mary Fallin:
Tax cuts if fiscally possible and politically possible
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin was noncommittal Thursday about whether her proposed budget for next fiscal year will include an income-tax cut after receiving projections that revenues available for appropriation will be down $170.8 million. "We're going
to continue to talk to the Legislature about what is possible this legislative year as far as it relates to tax cuts," Fallin said. "We still believe in that as a state, but we do have a lot of other needs in Oklahoma."
The governor's spokesman was more succinct: "We have to see two things: What's fiscally possible and what's politically possible."
The governor said she continues to support philosophically the idea of a tax cut and believes lowering taxes is important
in successfully competing with other states. Whether to once again push for a tax cut is a hot topic at the Capitol after the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down a law that called for incremental state income tax cuts tied to economic growth.
Source: The Oklahoman on 2014 Oklahoma Governor race
Dec 20, 2013
Mary Fallin:
Allow ball and dice games at casinos to raise revenue
Legislative Summary: HB3375: The bill provides state approval for new game offerings under the State Tribal Gaming Act. Tribes may elect to begin offering non-house banked table games and sports pools.
KFOR Oklahoma's News-4 analysis: The Grand Casino in Shawnee went live with something they've never had before--ball and dice.
The casino has long had their own versions of roulette and craps but they were played with cards instead of a ball and dice.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 68-22-9 on Mar/8/18; Passed Senate 29-16-3 on Apr/6/18; Signed by Governor Mary Fallin on Apr/10/18
Source: KFOR Oklahoma's News-4 on Oklahoma HB3375 voting records
Apr 10, 2018
Nathan Dahm:
Don't allow ball and dice games at casinos to raise revenue
Legislative Summary: HB3375: The bill provides state approval for new game offerings under the State Tribal Gaming Act. Tribes may elect to begin offering non-house banked table games and sports pools.
KFOR Oklahoma's News-4 analysis: The Grand Casino in Shawnee went live with something they've never had before--ball and dice. The casino has long had their own versions of roulette and craps but they were played with cards instead of a ball and dice.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 68-22-9 on Mar/8/18;
Passed Senate 29-16-3 on Apr/6/18; State Sen. Nathan Dahm voted NO; Signed by Governor Mary Fallin on Apr/10/18
Source: KFOR Oklahoma's News-4 on Oklahoma HB3375 voting records
Apr 6, 2018
Scott Inman:
Don't balance the budget on the backs of the middle class
The House minority leader from Del City significantly raised his profile in the past session as he led a standoff against the Republican majority over taxes, saying the controlling party was seeking to balance the budget on the backs of the middle class
and working poor. He made it clear that Democrats would not be ignored and forced Republicans to invite them to the negotiating table.
He is a passionate debater who has the fiery quality of a preacher.He has been minority leader for seven years.
He is the highest-ranking Democrat in the state but is term limited in 2018. This is his first attempt at statewide office.
Source: Tulsa World on 2018 Oklahoma governor race
Jul 30, 2017
Scott Inman:
Allow ball and dice games at casinos to raise revenue
Legislative Summary: HB3375: The bill provides state approval for new game offerings under the State Tribal Gaming Act. Tribes may elect to begin offering non-house banked table games and sports pools.
KFOR Oklahoma's News-4 analysis: The Grand Casino in Shawnee went live with something they've never had before--ball and dice.
The casino has long had their own versions of roulette and craps but they were played with cards instead of a ball and dice.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 68-22-9 on Mar/8/18; State Rep. Scott Inman voted YES; Passed Senate 29-16-3 on Apr/6/18; Signed by Governor Mary Fallin on Apr/10/18
Source: KFOR Oklahoma's News-4 on Oklahoma HB3375 voting records
Mar 8, 2018
Stephanie Bice:
Allow ball and dice games at casinos to raise revenue
Legislative Summary: HB3375: The bill provides state approval for new game offerings under the State Tribal Gaming Act. Tribes may elect to begin offering non-house banked table games and sports pools.
KFOR Oklahoma's News-4 analysis: The Grand Casino in Shawnee went live with something they've never had before--ball and dice.
The casino has long had their own versions of roulette and craps but they were played with cards instead of a ball and dice.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 68-22-9 on Mar/8/18; Passed Senate 29-16-3 on Apr/6/18; State Sen. Stephanie Bice voted YES; Signed by Governor Mary Fallin on Apr/10/18
Source: KFOR Oklahoma's News-4 on Oklahoma HB3375 voting records
Apr 6, 2018
Tom Coburn:
Shift Oklahoma's tax structure to focus on consumption
Coburn authored the Oklahoma Taxpayer Platform which includes a plank on "Fair Taxation:" Tax people in the least-burdensome way. Income taxes impose a discouraging penalty on work, productivity, personal responsibility,
savings, investment, capital formation and entrepreneurial risk-taking. No income taxes of any kind should be levied by Oklahoma's state and local government. Shift Oklahoma's tax structure to focus on consumption.
This will help Oklahoma become a magnet for private-sector both large and small job creators and productive individuals of all incomes.
The key is to attract more taxpayers, spreading the cost of state and local services among more people and allowing for a lower tax burden on everyone.
Source: OKTaxpayersUnite press release: 2018 Oklahoma Governor race
Jul 4, 2018
Kevin Stitt:
Eliminate state grocery tax; reduce income tax rate to 3.99%
Let's cut taxes! In my executive budget I am proposing to eliminate Oklahoma's state grocery tax and reduce our personal income tax rate to 3.99%. These cuts will save each family in Oklahoma hundreds of dollars each year. And it will continue to make
Oklahoma one of the best states to live, work, and raise your family. When our economy is booming everyone wins. Your personal income goes up, opportunities expand, and the entire tax base grows.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 6, 2023
Kevin Stitt:
Cut incomes taxes now, follow a path to zero income tax
If we don't act quickly, we are going to be left behind and we'll be considered a high tax state. So I'm calling for a half and a path--A half point cut to the individual and business income tax and a path to zero income tax.
I like to remind the naysayers when we cut taxes, the money doesn't disappear. It simply stays in Oklahomans' pockets and gets reinvested in our economy. In times of excess revenue, Oklahomans should keep more of their hard-earned money.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 3, 2025
Cyndi Munson:
Provide tax relief to middle class and working families
Provide Tax Relief for Everyday Oklahomans: Rising prices on everyday expenses have hit Oklahomans hard. That's why Cyndi will work to provide tax relief to middle class and working families, not billionaires and special interests.
Cyndi led the bipartisan effort to end the state tax on groceries, the largest tax cut for everyday Oklahomans in state history, and she will work with leaders on both sides of the aisle to find more relief.
Source: 2026 Oklahoma Gubernatorial campaign website CyndiMunson.com
Aug 13, 2025
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026