2012 Key Legislative Issues

  • Taxation
    • Intangible Personal Properity Tax - Make sure the intangible personal property tax issue is permanently addressed.
    • Income Tax - Support the restructuring of Oklahoma's tax system to allow for the gradual reduction of the state's personal income tax with assurance that the tax burden will not be shifted onto businesses, including any new taxes on services.
    • Tax Incentives - Support economic development incentives that are based on net-benefit or return on investment to the state.
  • Oklahoma Health Insurance Marketplace
    • Create an Oklahoma Health Insurance Marketplace by utilizing the "Guiding Principles" established by the Oklahomans for Free Market Health Solutions coalition. These principles embrace the preservation of the private sector insurance market and private business roles in a state-initiated, internet-based health insurance delivery system.
  • Economic Development
    • Fund the Governor's Quick Action Closing Fund, enabling the state to respond quickly to economic opportunities and compete effectively.
  • Lawsuit Reform
    • Ensure transparency when the state uses private attorneys on a contingency-fee basis.
  • Energy
    • Support a tax structure and policies that encourage greater development and use of Oklahoma's natural resources.
  • Workers' Compensation
    • Support legislation allowing Oklahoma employers to obtain alternative coverage in providing workers' compensation, as long as they provide equivalent benefits to protect their workers.
  • Water
    • Support the approval of only those portions of the revised Comprehensive Water Plan that meet the needs of Oklahoma's citizens and assure adequate water to grow our state's economy.
  • Transportation
    • Support the passage of the Bridge Improvement and Turnpike Modernization Plan that would, upon completion, bring the number of currently known structurally deficient highway bridges to less than 1%.
  • Education
    • Expand Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education programs in all levels of education.

This information can be found in printed form in our 2012 Business Agenda (page 4)