Williamson Disappointed By Senate Dems Rejection of GOP ‘Health and Growth’ Plan

Senate Republican Leader James A. Williamson said he is “disappointed” that Senate Democrats have rejected the Senate GOP’s alternative to Gov. Brad Henry’s tobacco tax plan.

“The Senate Democrats’ rejection of our pro-growth, pro-health plan means Oklahomans will lose out on historic, job-creating tax relief, and it ensures that fewer youngsters will be deterred from smoking,” stated Williamson, R-Tulsa.

“The Senate Democrats’ rejection of our plan has probably ended the last, best chance for a bipartisan solution. It is incredible that Sen. Hobson’s number one criticism of the GOP plan is that the proposed tobacco tax is too high compared to neighboring states, yet he continues to be unconcerned about our comparatively high income tax and capital gains tax rates that retard economic growth in Oklahoma,” Williamson stated.

Williamson said the governor’s “partisan, take-it-or-leave-it plan” has little or no chance of getting a three-fourths majority in the Senate, and could face an outright defeat by the House of Representatives.

“We believe the Senate Republican plan has a realistic chance of reaching a three-fourths majority in both the Senate and the House. But there’s no guarantee the governor’s plan can even garner the bare majority needed to send it to a vote of the people,” he said.

Tuesday, Senate Republicans offered an alternative plan that fixes the biggest problems in the Henry plan and gives Oklahoma’s ailing economy a significant shot in the arm with unprecedented and immediate tax relief.