Taylor Comments on Tax Reform, Special Session

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"Just like all Oklahomans, I'm very concerned about the jobs our state is losing because of the Phillips-Conoco merger. If there is anything that we can do to prevent those job losses or lessen the economic impact of them, I am certainly interested in pursuing it."

"Obviously, we're all concerned about the way the state tax structure affects Oklahoma's economic development efforts, especially in regard to retaining good jobs like those provided by Phillips Petroleum, Conoco and other employers. That's why I've been working for the past eight months to eliminate the state income tax and the sales tax on groceries. I remain committed to that goal."

"Certainly, we would need to have an actual tax reform proposal on paper and a consensus on that proposal before we reconvene in special session. Given the fact that taxpayers have to pick up the tab for special sessions, I don't think it would be responsible to return until we are prepared to act on specific legislation."