Oklahoma Lawmakers Eye Tax Breaks Amid Shortfall

TIM TALLEY

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma gives away billions of dollars in tax revenue through hundreds of exemptions, credits and deductions that some lawmakers say the state may no longer be able to afford as it slips deeper into a revenue shortfall.

Tax breaks have been granted to manufacturers, farmers and ranchers, oil and gas producers and a variety of other groups over the years as lawmakers work to encourage economic activity.

But officials say some of those tax breaks could be suspended and others eliminated to keep revenue flowing for public education and safety programs and to state agencies that provide health care to the poor and meals to the elderly.

"Passing tax law is like making sausage — there's no science to it," said Rep. Richard Morrissette, D-Oklahoma City. "There is no policy foundation for these tax exemptions. It's pure politics."

The state imposes sales taxes on basic necessities like food, but tickets to professional sporting events — a luxury for many people — are exempt from sales taxes, Morrissette said.