Governor signs Burrage’s taxpayer transparency proposal

Under legislation signed by the governor this week, Oklahoma taxpayers will be able to better understand where their tax dollars are being spent.

Senate Bill 1980, authored by Senate Minority Leader Sean Burrage, will require the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to include a taxpayer receipt feature on the existing Open Books website. The function will allow a taxpayer to enter data on the amount of taxes they have paid, and see how those funds were allocated under statutory apportionment provisions.

“Being good stewards of the taxpayer’s money means ensuring the people can understand how their contributions are being put to use by state government,” said Burrage, D-Claremore. “Increased awareness of where state resources are being directed will lead to more responsive and fair stewardship. I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues, and very pleased to see the bill signed into law.”

SB 1980, co-authored by Sen. Tom Ivester, was approved by overwhelming, bipartisan majorities in both houses of the Legislature. The legislation was influenced by a proposal advanced by Georgia Senate Democrats last year.