Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb resigns from Fallins cabinet over proposed tax policy

[avebury]

Source: KFOR

On Thursday, Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb announced his resignation from Fallin's cabinet, where he serves as Oklahoma's Small Business Advocate. Lamb says he decided to resign after learning about Fallin's proposed tax plan to get the state back on budget.


Governor Fallin deserves to have someone in her cabinet who can be a strong advocate for her agenda, and that is something I am unwilling to do. While I respect the determination with which Governor Fallin met her obligation to present a balanced budget to the legislature, I cannot support her proposed tax increases. This proposal will adversely harm Oklahomas small businesses and families, especially those in our service industry. While Governor Fallin and I have disagreed on issues from time-to-time, our differences on this important topic are so significant they preclude me from continuing to serve on her cabinet.

Fallin has proposed broadening the state's sales tax base by imposing new fees on more than 100 services, such as plumbing, barbers and attorneys.

That includes adding a state tax on residential utility customers. Utilities already pass on city and county taxes. Municipal utilities and co-ops would not have to pay the state tax.



Read more: http://kfor.com/2017/02/16/lt-gov-todd-lamb-resigns-from-fallins-cabinet-over-proposed-tax-policy/

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Rumor is that there is something not quite right about the budget shortfall and that Fallin's shotgun approach to tax just about everything might be to cover up some unreported mess. It sounds like Lamb is bailing out while he can. He would be an obvious candidate for the Republicans to run for Governor next time. Maybe he is trying to keep any stench from hitting him.

Oklahomans might want to call their State Senators and Representatives about Fallin's tax policy.

[rurallib]

1. are they all out of safety net programs to cut?

[Tess49]

5. As a state, we are broke. She wants to let big business, oil companies, etc. keep their

tax breaks, while raising sales taxes on everyone else. She wants to tax Dr. Visits, Vet visits, haircuts, anything you can imagine.

[rurallib]

9. which of course hit the poor hardest.

wow.

[Tess49]

10. Absolutely. All of her taxes are regressive.

[LonePirate]

2. Is he a Tea Party guy who opposes all tax increases no matter what?

[Yavin4]

3. I thought that Republicans were against taxes.

At least that's what I've been told.

[Txbluedog]

4. They are only against taxing the 1%

the other 99% can be taxed at a rate of 100% for all they care

[tenorly]

6. Minus a deduction for church tithing.

But only if said churches are the kind that basically act as GOP canvassers - which of course is illegal; but not for much longer if King Con gets his way.

[Yavin4]

7. Wait, only Christian Churches get the deduction.

All other religions are taxed.

[tenorly]

8. That's their intent, yes.

They can't impose such a thing for now, for obvious First Amendment reasons. But once Goresuck is ensconced in the Supreme Court, all bets are off.

[Grins]

11. I don't know which is themore freaky....

A Republican Lt. Gov who is against raising taxes, or a Republican Governor who wants to!

[leanforward]

12. Republicans are against taxes

However, any good business (state government) needs revenue. Corporations need revenue, government needs revenue (taxes). It makes good sense to raise the taxes. Broaden the revenue base.

Evently, the Governor has had a come to Jesus meeting. Cut EDUCATION or raise taxes. She choose revenue (taxes). I admire her for doing the right action.

I am a loyal American, in opposition.