Cockroft files bill to phase out state income tax

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 8, 2011) – Legislation authored by State Rep. Josh Cockroft would further lower the state income tax to 5 percent in 2011 and phase it out by 2016.

House Bill 1543 would reduce the income tax by 1 percent each year, down to 0 percent in 2016.

“I think that Oklahomans no longer support the state income tax and would like lawmakers to come up with a new way to fund state government,” Cockroft, R-McLoud, said. “Texas gets by without a state income tax and I think that Oklahoma can as well.”

Cockroft said that in addition to changing the source of revenue, the Legislature would focus on reducing state spending.

“The state needs to eliminate wasteful spending and join the 21st century as an affordable and efficient form of government,” Cockroft said. “I think that there are many places where reform and common sense will result in effective government services for less.”

Josh Cockroft, R-McLoud, is the state representative for House District 27, which covers portions of Cleveland and Pottawatomie counties. He can be reached by calling 405-557-7349 (Capitol), or by emailing josh.cockroft@okhouse.gov. He also maintains a blog for legislative purposes, located here.