State, City Leaders Speaking Out Against Penny Sales Tax Proposal

Those against a penny cent sales tax for education are going on the offensive.

On Tuesday, Oklahoma's Supreme Court announced the proposal will be on the ballot in November.

“We are going to fall through the cellar,” said OU President David Boren when he kicked off the campaign in October 2015 for his one cent sale tax plan.

The extra $600-700 million will raise teacher pay and attempt to keep educators from leaving the state for more money.

“Its bad deal for Oklahoma City,” says OKC City Councilman Pete White.

Councilman White feels another penny sales tax will hurt the one that has already allowed OKC to thrive: MAPS.

“What’s going to happen to that if it’s going to fall on the heel of a sales tax?” questioned the Councilman.

Carolyn Stager with the Oklahoma Municipal League is now fighting for city leaders throughout the state who feel too depended on sales tax already and think one more cent will rock the budget boat.

“We are the only state where cities and towns do not receive ad valorem for general operations,” said Stager.

She feels a bigger tax will hurt consumer spending and hurt cities in the process.

Stager said Thursday she's meeting with David Boren to voice her concerns.

She told News 9 Wednesday, she feels cities were not part of the process in coming up with this plan.