| Editorial: Oklahoma's voters gave the OKGOP exactly what the party leaders asked for. Last November the Republicans expanded on their massive super majorities of both houses of the legislature and all statewide elective offices were securely in Republican hands. It seems the voters expected the campaign rhetoric to translate to prosperity, liberty, and clean government leadership. This year has been a legacy of corruption, resignations, indictments, arrests, sexual affairs, and public policies sold to the highest bidder. Governor Fallin has all but given the mansion to the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce. Her disdain for her own 1990s campaign platform is fully manifest. Unless a major shift happens in the next 6 months, there will be a massive electoral revolt and mass defections from the OKGOP. This past week, several trusted conservative groups, leaders, and journalists signed an open letter to the legislature. As Editor of SoonerPolitics.org, I fully endorse and add my name to the message. |  Credit: thanks to Nate Beeler for the inspiration for tonight's post. |
September 28, 2017
Dear Governor and State Lawmakers,
We are a coalition of conservative citizens, many of us serving in leadership of state or local organizations, who write to urge you to address the need for more consolidation and other efficiencies in all areas of state government and to resist raising taxes on your constituents.
Many Oklahoma families and businesses are struggling and have been forced to reduce their own spending. Indeed, Oklahomans lost more than $13 billion in taxable income and reduced purchases by $4.1 billion in one year alone when oil prices collapsed.
And yet, Oklahoma’s total state government spending is at an all-time high. The state is now on track to spend more money next year—more than $17.9 billion—than at any time in our history. If you believe that certain state services are not adequately funded, we urge you to prioritize spending rather than raise taxes.
“Limited government” and “lower taxes” have been winning campaign messages in Oklahoma over the last decade. Some candidates have even made written promises to oppose and vote against (or veto) “any and all efforts to increase taxes.” We encourage you to stay true to these principles and to oppose efforts to increase the burden of government on hard-working Oklahoma families.
Sincerely,
Dear Governor and State Lawmakers,
We are a coalition of conservative citizens, many of us serving in leadership of state or local organizations, who write to urge you to address the need for more consolidation and other efficiencies in all areas of state government and to resist raising taxes on your constituents.
Many Oklahoma families and businesses are struggling and have been forced to reduce their own spending. Indeed, Oklahomans lost more than $13 billion in taxable income and reduced purchases by $4.1 billion in one year alone when oil prices collapsed.
And yet, Oklahoma’s total state government spending is at an all-time high. The state is now on track to spend more money next year—more than $17.9 billion—than at any time in our history. If you believe that certain state services are not adequately funded, we urge you to prioritize spending rather than raise taxes.
“Limited government” and “lower taxes” have been winning campaign messages in Oklahoma over the last decade. Some candidates have even made written promises to oppose and vote against (or veto) “any and all efforts to increase taxes.” We encourage you to stay true to these principles and to oppose efforts to increase the burden of government on hard-working Oklahoma families.
Sincerely,
| Jonathan Small Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) John Tidwell Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma Grover Norquist Americans for Tax Reform Steve Curry Republican National Committeeman for Oklahoma Ronda Vuillemont-Smith Tulsa 9.12 Project David Van Risseghem President - Oklahoma Republican Assembly | Tom Newell Former chairman, General Government Oversight and Accountability Committee, Oklahoma House of Representatives Michael Bates BatesLine.com Brandon Arnold National Taxpayers Union Jamison Faught MuskogeePolitico.com Andrew Lopez Canadian County Republican Party Daniel Schneider American Conservative Union | Charles W. Potts Oklahoma Republican Party executive committee member John Michener Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee Bunny Chambers Eagle Forum of Oklahoma Lisa B. Nelson American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) Ashley N. Varner ALEC Action Other signers will be added to the letter as the special legislative session continues. |
