Progressive Voice in the Heartland of America
An Open Letter to the Legislature of Oklahoma
To the legislators in the state of Oklahoma I ask – Please vote to block H.B.3061.
There will never again in my life be a time when building schools, bridges, libraries and other crucial infrastructure be so affordable. With labor and interest rates at their lowest levels in years, this is the time to re-build and even enhance the public infrastructure of our fair state.
Now is not the time to cut taxes. Public schools are being closed and class sizes increased just when we need public education the most. For the citizens of Oklahoma to claim the best high-tech jobs, and to attract new business, our state needs a highly trained work force.
With large numbers of bridges and highways in such poor conditions, now is not the time to cut taxes. Oklahoma needs good roads to support new industry and new commerce.
The provision of H.B.3061 that is most alarming is the automatic trigger to lower the highest income tax rate even further if tax revenues reach a certain level. As the price of energy fluctuates, like it has in the past, it would be irresponsible for tax rates to automatically fall one day with no recourse when revenues fall short the next.
Please vote to block H.B.3061.
If there was ever a time when Oklahoma could get a jump on the competition it’s now, but not without revenues. Further tax cuts will mean further cuts in vital services which will just put us further behind.
Don’t let the people of Oklahoma down.
