After slashing taxes, Okla. struggles to fund schools, other services

[n2doc]

By Sean Murphy


OKLAHOMA CITY — Four years ago, Oklahoma’s oil patch was booming, unemployment was falling, and lawmakers were debating what to do with a $200 million surplus.

Republicans who control state government successfully pushed to reduce the top income tax rate, slash the oil and gas production tax rate from 7 percent to 2 percent, and give more tax incentives to industry.

But the boom ended, and the money dried up.

Now, the once-unwavering confidence in the wisdom of lower taxes has given way to a growing panic over how to pay for basic services, including schools, health care, and public safety. Revenue has fallen about 20 percent short of budgeted needs — for the third year in a row.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2017/04/27/after-slashing-taxes-oklahoma-struggles-fund-schools-other-basic-services/d3Z4z26eF7cXbN2Wgs5LzI/story.html

Same shit, different state.

[Beartracks]

1. Tax-slashing and trickle-down are road-tested failures.

There's a track record of these policies being enacted at state and Federal levels over the years and the result is always bad for constituents/voters and the economy.

Why do Republicans keep believing this failed approach will work?

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[Cartoonist]

3. Because it works for them

The rich get richer

[Beartracks]

4. Well, it works for the Republican politicians.

But when will Republican voters wise up?

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[hatrack]

2. The Jehovan Republic of South Kansas is shocked, shocked at the outcome . .

[Wellstone ruled]

5. Well well,and

center of Climate Denial is now begging the rest of us to help them recover from guess what,a climate event called flooding which is most likely related to mankind.

Forgot,this is Trump Country,blame it on Obama.

[Beartracks]

6. And they call themselves fiscal conservatives. Pfft.

Not saving/investing the surplus for the lean times is fiscal irresponsibility.

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[Mickju]

7. They blame the shortfall entirely on low oil prices

It could never be because of the tax cuts. Stupid Republicans

[benld74]

8. Taxes needed GOP!!!!

[WinstonSmith00]

9. Take from the poor and give to the rich!

That is the repugnant motto.

Exploit the poor and rake in the dough.

Republicans have been a complete failure for this state. Time to wake the people of Oklahoma up. One hundred years ago we were one of the most progressive States. We have greatly lost our way.