Sen. Kirt seeks public input on state taxes through September forums

OKLAHOMA CITY - Sen. Julia Kirt will host a series of public forums in September to let Oklahomans hear from tax and economic experts about Oklahoma’s tax system as well as allow citizens to share their ideas, concerns, and questions on the issue.

“Across the political spectrum, people feel that our state tax system benefits some and disadvantages others. As we anticipate further tax reform proposals at the State Capitol, I want to bring together taxpayers, tax professionals and economists to share their expertise and views on Oklahoma’s tax system,” said Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “The goal of these sessions is to analyze the long-term health of the state’s revenue structure, identify the major challenges for taxpayers and small business owners and examine possible changes that could make the system more fair while also strengthening the state’s economy.”

A session for the general public will be held Thursday, Sept. 8 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in Room 4S.9 of the State Capitol. All Oklahomans are welcome to attend in person or virtually, but Kirt is especially interested in hearing from her own constituents from Senate District 30. Kirt will facilitate public comment on a range of questions about taxpayers’ experience with the Oklahoma tax system. For those who would like to participate but who are not able to attend in person, the meeting will be streamed live. Please contact Kirt’s office for the link.

A session focused on small business owners will take place on Monday, Sept. 12 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Francis Tuttle’s Reno Campus located at 7301 W. Reno Ave. in Oklahoma City in Room A1020B. Kirt will facilitate public comment about how state taxes affect small businesses, and then attendees will have the chance to speak one-on-one with experts from state agencies and local chambers, including the Department of Commerce, Department of Rehabilitation Services, and the Small Business Development Center.

The final session will feature a panel of experts including Dr. Cynthia Rogers from the University of Oklahoma’s Department of Economics, the Oklahoma Policy Institute, and the Oklahoma State Chamber. The public meeting will be held Thursday, Sept. 15 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the State Capitol in Room 535 and will be live streamed. Please contact Kirt’s office for the link. Panelists will share their top priorities for tax reform, and Kirt will close the session with a panel Q&A.

If you have questions, would like further information, or would like the live streaming information, please reach out to Senator Kirt’s office by email at Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov, elizabeth.sidler@oksenate.gov or by phone at (405) 521-5636.

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Kirt: (405) 521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov