Issues
March 13, 2012 JLabor, Education & Pensions
Below, find AFP-OK's position on several key pieces of legislation. The status of these bills will be updated each week, so check back often!
SB 1561 Brinkley (R) Internet Sales Tax
This bill is an affiliate and subsidiary tax bill, meaning that a company not physically located in Oklahoma but with affiliates in Oklahoma referring business to that company or owning (more than 80%) of a subsidiary corporation in Oklahoma would be required to collect and remit Oklahoma sales taxes taxes that are already owed by the consumer in the form of use taxes.
AFP-Oklahoma opposes SB 1561 because it is, essentially, a tax increase.
STATUS: Passed Senate Finance Committee with title stricken, General Order - Senate
HB 3038 Osborn (R) Eliminate State Income Tax
March 11, 2012 JProperty Rights
Last Friday, March 9, AFP-OK partnered with the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) and the Friedman Foundation to sponsor the School Choice Thunder Night. We set up a table outside the arena to pass out informational school choice literature, as well as to give school choice t-shirts and tickets to families of special needs students who participate in the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship Program.
The special needs students taking advantage of the school choice scholarships were invited to high-five the players as they came out of the tunnel before the game and at halftime. This was an awesome opportunity that they were excited about.
Several families thanked us for the opportunity to attend the game free of charge and also thanked us profusely for our support of school choice. Multiple families shared compelling stories of how school choice has helped their special needs students thrive.
March 09, 2012 JEnergy & Environment
Last Wednesday, March 7, AFP-OK hosted a conservative leaders luncheon with special guest Tim Phillips, President of AFP. The idea was to get as many of the leaders in conservative politics together to share stories, ideas and put faces with names. We wanted a broad cross section of the conservative movement in Oklahoma. Establishment GOP, Tea Party, Independent Conservative and even the Ron Paul campaign in Oklahoma were represented. Most of the people in the room had heard of each other, but not met in person. About 25-30 leaders attended.
There was a thirty minute period to mingle and get to know each other. Afterwards, AFP-OK State Director Stuart Jolly made a few remarks and asked everyone to introduce themselves. He then introduced Phillips.
March 02, 2012 JBanking & Financial Services
Earlier this week, I testified at a hearing in support of HB 2737. This much-needed legislation was created to address the growth of our states Universal Service Fund a subsidy which phone users pay on their monthly phone bills. The Fund has experienced steady growth over the years to enhance the profits of small, rural phone companies a trend which has forced consumers to pay more and more for their service over time.
February 22, 2012 JLabor, Education & Pensions
A letter was sent to every representative and senator yesterday, including one to Gov Fallin, opposing two internet tax bills, HB 2586 & SB 1561, which should be vehemently opposed.
These bills are both an affiliate and subsidiary tax bills, meaning that a company not physically located in Oklahoma but with affiliates in Oklahoma referring business to that company or owning (more than 80%) of a subsidiary corporation in Oklahoma would be required to collect and remit Oklahoma sales taxes. These taxes are already owned by the consumer in the form of use taxes.
This bill would also shift the burden of collection from the Oklahoma Tax Commission to the out-of-state (but affiliated/subsidiary) corporation. The Supreme Court has already ruled that these types of laws violate the Commerce Clause of the Constitution in Quill Corporation v. North Dakota.
