(The Center Square) - Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the $12.47 billion budget into law, keeping a promise he made during budget negotiations not to veto it.
The budget includes eliminating the state sales tax on groceries, which will return more than $400 million to the taxpayers. The Senate would not agree to slash the sales tax.
"The state has taken a step forward today, but our work is unfinished," Stitt said. "I will continue to fight for more tax cuts and keeping a lid on the growth in government in Oklahoma."
Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat lauded the budget process that included eight negotiating sessions with the House of Representatives.
“I am proud the Senate showed true leadership in the budget transparency process and pleased the governor decided to sign it into law, while backing down from a tax cut that would have put the state on an unsustainable financial path for future legislators," Treat said. "I’m also proud to have co-authored the largest tax cut in state history in eliminating the state portion of the grocery tax. Once it goes into effect, it will represent more money in the pockets of all 4 million Oklahomans.”
House Speaker Charles McCall hoped to see the income tax cuts happen in the future.
"We appreciate Gov. Stitt honoring his commitment to sign and support a strong budget made possible due to the economic environment created by conservative leadership in the House," McCall said. "Overall, spending is down 5.3% compared to last year, while only exercising 89% of overall budget authority."
This is the last session for Treat and McCall, who are term-limited.
"I want to commend them on their efforts to leave a legacy of transparency," Stitt said. "I look forward to working with their successors and expanding on those relationships and the progress made this year."
