Budget Tax Cuts Should be Negotiated, Finance Chair Says

Following is a statement from Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, about the Senate’s action today to send a pair of tax bills to a conference committee. Gumm is chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

“Tax cuts should be negotiated as part of a budget that reflects our state’s values, not used as a platform for a term-limited politician to try to get elected to another job.

“The action of the Senate today preserves the process we used to negotiate last year’s budget and tax cuts. That turned out great for our state, as we passed both a responsible budget that met the needs of Oklahomans and the largest tax cut in Oklahoma’s history.

“Today’s vote preserves our chance to responsibly consider a variety of tax cuts that would benefit every Oklahoma family – not just the wealthiest among us. It also preserves our ability to make critical investments in programs on which Oklahomans depend to make a safer state and a brighter future.

“To do anything less – such as putting one’s personal political fortunes above the well-being of working and middle class families – is neither responsible nor in the best interest of all Oklahomans.”