In light of the state’s $1.3 billion budget shortfall, Oklahoma legislators have been forced to find creative ways to climb out of the hole. This week, GOP leaders decided part of the state’s economic burden should fall on the backs of the poorest Oklahomans,reports KFOR.
To bring in new revenue, Oklahoma lawmakers have approved a bill that would do away with a tax credit intended to help the most destitute citizens of the state.
On Thursday, the Oklahoma Senate passed a proposal that would get rid of Oklahoma’s earned income tax credit. The measure passed despite pleas from religious leaders across the state. The tax credit gives money back to the poorest Oklahomans who don’t make enough to even pay taxes. The bill sailed through the senate, passing by a majority of 31 to 7. Senators are also considering two other proposals, one that would do away with the child tax credit and another that would abolish the sales tax relief credit.