Low natural gas prices are pushing gross production tax collections below expectations and could slow the growth of state revenue in spite of rising income tax, sales tax and motor vehicle tax collections, Oklahoma Treasurer Ken Miller said Thursday.
After a couple of years of spending federal stimulus dollars, employing temporary taxes, and using one-time funds to plug budget holes, states must first use the new revenue to backfill their budgets to break even for the coming fiscal year.
Oklahoma just celebrated its birthday—104 years of history with successful chapters continuing to be added every day. As citizens of this great state, we have a lot to be thankful for here in Oklahoma.
Burrage of Claremore has been elected floor leader for Democrats in the Oklahoma state Senate. Burrage was chosen over state Sen. Jim Wilson of Tahlequah in a minority caucus election necessitated by the decision of Andrew Rice of Oklahoma City to resign on January 15.
The state legislature may have adjourned for the year in May, but that doesn’t mean the state Capitol is now a quiet place. Lots of interim studies, joint committees, and task force meetings are drilling down to look at what legislative changes should possibly occur next session.
Yesterday, I wrote that there would be three new legislators at the state Capitol in 2012. After two resignations and a death, special elections have occurred, and are scheduled for next month and beyond, to replace one state senator and two representatives with three new legislators.
Three legislators who served in 2011 will not be back for the 2012 session, and three new lawmakers will step in to take their place.
By SEAN MURPHY OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma’s economy showed more signs of improvement last month, with increases across all major tax sectors compared to the same time last year, although the growth rate has slowed, State Treasurer Ken Miller said Tuesday. Figures released by Miller’s office show gross revenue collections in September were up
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The annual Red River Rivalry serves as a metaphor for my agenda and platform for our great state to compete with Texas.
State Rep. Gary Banz has an interesting idea: let’s shrink the state legislature. Banz believes that as lawmakers seek to downsize state government they should include themselves in the process.
