Governor Fallin and the Republican leadership of the House and Senate announce a budget agreement. The announcement was made at a state capitol news conference this morning:
If passed by the Legislature, the agreement would:
- Place a $1.50 tax on a package of cigarettes.
- Provide for a 6-cent fuel tax increase.
- Revise taxes on alcoholic beverages.
- Restore the Earned Income Tax credit.
- Provide for a $3,000 teacher pay increase, effective Aug. 1, 2018.
- Provide for a $1,000 increase for state employees, effective Aug. 1, 2018. It does not pertain to higher education, legislators or constitutional officers, such as statewide elected officials and judges.
Gov. Mary Fallin and Republican legislative leaders announced the deal, but it's unclear if the plan would have enough support to pass.
Flanked by about a dozen state House and Senate Republicans, The Governor said, "This package is not perfect, but it is very good. We are still working on the details."
Fallin, House Speaker Charles McCall and Senate President Pro Tem Mike Schulz didn't field any questions about the proposal, and Democrats whose votes would be needed to pass any tax increase through the House sounded skeptical.
The plan does not include an increase in the gross production tax on oil and natural gas. That is something Democrats have demanded.