Brogdon, Proctor Target Grocery Sales Tax

Senator Randy Brogdon and Rep. Eric Proctor have filed legislation to end Oklahoma’s state sales tax on groceries by July 1, 2009.

Brogdon, R-Owasso, is the principal author of Senate Bill 600, which would end the 4.5 percent state sales tax on groceries. The tax exemption would not apply to alcohol or tobacco products since they are taxed at the wholesale level.

“If we want to pass tax relief that will genuinely help every single person in Oklahoma, then we need to end the state sales tax on groceries,” Brogdon said. “Families will be able to use that savings to buy clothing or other necessities for their children, and seniors already struggling on fixed incomes would be able to purchase more of the things they need as well. Those dollars will go right back into our economy.”

While local municipalities currently cannot levy a sales tax on items exempted by the state, Brogdon stressed SB 600 would amend that provision so that those entities could continue to collect sales taxes on food and beverages if they so choose. “This means local governments would still have that much-needed funding source,” Brogdon said.

Proctor, D-Tulsa, will carry SB 600 in the House. He said it was important to find ways to approve tax relief that will both help Oklahomans have greater purchasing power and put more money into local economies, “Senate Bill 600 will help us achieve both goals,” Proctor said. “Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia do not impose a sales tax on groceries. It’s time for Oklahoma to eliminate this tax as well.”

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Proctor, Corn Seek Removal Of Oklahoma Sales Tax On Firearms, Ammunition Purchases

Rep. Eric Proctor today said he will file legislation to repeal the sales tax on the purchase of guns or ammunition in Oklahoma.

“As Americans, we should not have to pay a tax to exercise our constitutional rights – especially our Second Amendment rights,” said Proctor, D-Tulsa.

The measure, by Proctor and state Senator Kenneth Corn, D-Howe, will not affect any dedicated revenue stream for wildlife or other programs and the measure would have minimal impact on the state treasury, Proctor said.

“In Oklahoma, we have a long tradition of sportsmanship and hunting that precedes statehood and we should protect that heritage,” Proctor said.

He said the tax should also be repealed because it could be a barrier for those needing protection.

“People shouldn’t have to pay a tax to the government if they need a gun in the home for self-protection,” Proctor said. “No matter what, the responsibility to protect your family is greater than the state’s need to generate taxes.”

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Angry House Democrats Stage Walkout

Angry House Democrats today walked out of the chamber to protest the refusal of Republican committee chairmen to allow those with whom they disagree to speak.

Rep. Chuck Hoskin, head of the House Democratic caucus, said it was bad enough that members of the public were not allowed to speak, but elected representatives also are being denied the right to ask questions in committee and on the floor.

Thursday morning, Rep. James Covey, D-Custer City, asked to be recognized on the House floor because he wanted to speak with House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, about how committee meetings are being conducted. But he was not recognized.

"That was the straw that broke the camel's back," said Rep. Eric Proctor, D-Tulsa.

House Minority Leader Danny Morgan, D-Prague, huddled with Benge and others in the speaker's office. Morgan said Benge agreed to review committee rules and will have an answer on Monday.

Morgan (pictured) said his members also are angry over the the refusal by Rep. Ron Peterson, R-Broken Arrow, to let supporters of a measure that would require insurance companies to cover costs associated with autism speak before his committee.

About 30 supporters showed up the past two weeks to speak to Peterson's committee, but Peterson killed the measure and denied supporters a chance to speak.

Last week Chad Smith, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, was not allowed to speak before a House committee that took up a bill that would make English the official language of the state. The chairman of that committee, Rep. Guy Liebmann, R-Oklahoma City, restricted comments to House members. The measure passed out of committee and is awaiting action on the House floor. House Speaker Chris Benge later apologized to Smith and said he should have been allowed to speak.

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House Panel Approves Military Family Tuition Bill

The families of fallen Oklahoma soldiers could receive free tuition at Oklahoma colleges under legislation approved by a House subcommittee on Monday. House Bill 1063, by Rep. Eric Proctor (D-Tulsa), would provide in-state tuition waivers to the dependents of Oklahoma military members killed in the line of duty.

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Dorman, Proctor Ask For Ice Funds

State Reps. Joe Dorman and Eric Proctor today called on legislative leaders to approve an estimated $22 million in emergency funding for ice storm recovery "as soon as possible" when the Legislature convenes in February.

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