Carl's Capitol Comments
August 25, 2017
Earlier this month, the Oklahoma Supreme Court decided the $1.50 per pack smoking cessation fee the Legislature passed in May was unconstitutional.
Also known as the Smoking Cessation and Prevention Act of 2017, the measure was designed to lessen smoking-related health care costs and deter young people from beginning the deadly habit in the first place. The bill was projected to generate roughly $215 million annually, and that money would have been distributed primarily to three state agencies: the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
Shortly after the Oklahoma Legislature concluded its session, tobacco companies announced they were suing.
I was not totally surprised that the Oklahoma Supreme Court overturned the legislation, as we had previously tried a similar measure as a cigarette tax but were unable to overcome the 76 vote requirement to pass it due to SQ 640. I understand the justices took their job seriously, and I respect their decision.
Since the opinion came down, I have had numerous constituents ask me what this all means for the people in House District 58. In the immediate future, not much. All three of the affected agencies have assured House leadership they can continue to operate and sustain services for at least a few months. The Department of Human Services has even told the House it can make ends meet until May 2018.
There are currently two other pieces of legislation that are being reviewed by the State Supreme Court. So without imminent threat of losing those necessary services, the House Republicans are wanting to wait until we know the decision on those issues before calling a special session. The clearer the picture is, the more effective the Legislature can be in dealing with the budget. I personally would like to address these budget issues as soon as possible, as it is not fair or appropriate to push this issue to the last minute. These agencies affect many lives and we need to know how these services will be affected. I hope we will be able to keep them stable.
The biggest goal ahead of us is developing a long-term plan. Instead of simply wrapping the wounded budget in gauze, I would like to see us make choices that are the best for Oklahoma not only for today but also for years to come. I am certain we will be able to find efficiencies and cut waste while still funding core government services. We just have to gather our thoughts and act wisely in these coming months.
It’s possible I will end up traveling back to Oklahoma City for a special legislative session. If that happens, I vow to fight to keep our rural hospitals open and to properly fund health care providers. Vulnerable Oklahomans should not fall to the wayside, and I will do everything I can to prevent that from happening.
I truly believe things are looking up, though – our economy is rebounding. The largest increase is the Gross Production Tax due to the Stack and Scoop play in northwest Oklahoma. Although sales tax receipts and income tax are both on the rise, we need to make sure the decisions made are the best in moving our state forward. There are many other issues that definitely need to be analyzed in the next legislative session.
If you need anything, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can email me at [email protected] or call 405-557-7339. Thank you for allowing me to serve you. Enjoy this August and may God continue to bless you.
Reader Comments(0)