Leftwich’s Budget Stance: A Matter of Priorities Pay Our Bills, Fair Tax Cuts, Improve Oklahoma

“Improve Oklahoma!” Sen. Debbe Leftwich says that should be the guiding principle in solving the partisan budget impasse that is stonewalling completion of this year’s session of the Oklahoma Legislature.

The Southside Oklahoma City lawmaker said plans tossed out by Gov. Brad Henry and Republicans in the House of Representatives in the waning days of the session don’t do enough of that.

That’s why Leftwich favors a plan by Senate Democrats that requires the state to pay its outstanding bills and keep its promises before enacting broad tax cuts.

“Our first priority should be to pay our bills first,” Leftwich said. “That’s what we have to do every month-pay our bills and when we have extra money it’s usually used to repair or replace something. We need to replace emergency funds, fix or replace bridges and roads, keep college affordable for our children and make sure criminals remain behind bars. Once we do that, then we can approve fair tax cuts for everyone.”

Leftwich said she supports Senate efforts to lower taxes for all Oklahomans by increasing the standard deduction which will give most Oklahoma families $532 in their pockets and eliminating the estate taxes.

By doing those two things, Leftwich said, the Legislature could cut taxes this year by $238 million and save the average family of four more than $500 each year.

“What I like about the Senate Democrats tax cut, is that it gives a tax cut to more hard-working Oklahomans,” Leftwich said. “The proposals put forth by House Republicans and the Governor are just easy election year giveaways, with no thought for the future. Has everyone forgotten we had a $700 million shortfall just four years ago?”

Leftwich called the Senate Democrat’s plan critical to keep the state on the right track.

“Taking care of Oklahoma and Oklahomans doesn’t mean expanding the role of the government,” Leftwich said. “It means making strategic investments in order to drive down the road safely. It means keeping the best teachers in our classrooms and paying decent wages to those corrections workers and child abuse investigators who keep our families safe.”

Leftwich said what she is seeking is a balance that doesn’t destroy the state’s future.

“We must take advantage of this rare opportunity and invest now for future challenges,” the pragmatic lawmaker said.