House Approves Speed-up Of Death Tax End

The House voted today to speed up the elimination of Oklahoma's death tax.

"The death tax is simply immoral and the sooner we get rid of it, the better," said Rep. Rob Johnson (pictured), House author of the measure. "Families shouldn't have to face both the undertaker and the tax collector in the same week."

Senate Bill 1383, by state Senator Mike Johnson (R-Kingfisher) and Johnson (R-Kingfisher), would accelerate the repeal of the death tax, also known as the "estate tax."

Currently, the state death tax is set to be repealed beginning January 1, 2010. Senate Bill 1383 advances the repeal to January 1, 2009.

The measure would save grieving families an estimated $30.2million per year.

"Most Oklahomans believe that if you work hard and play by the rules, you should have the chance to be successful and eventually provide a better life for your children," Johnson said. "The death tax essentially robs families of the American Dream and I'm pleased that my colleagues have joined me in eradicating it."

The bill passed the House by overwhelming, bipartisan 73-22 vote. It now returns to the Senate for action.

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