Here's a look at some of the issues NFIB/Oklahoma is facing in the state Legislature:
- Income tax reduction or elimination: Efforts are underway to reduce or eliminate the Oklahoma personal income tax. As legislators look at other potential sources of income to replace revenue lost from the income tax, NFIB will oppose efforts to place new sales taxes on services and labor.
- Tax credits: Over this most recent legislative interim, a task force studied each of the business tax credits that are available in Oklahoma, ranging from special credits for wind power, filmmaking, historic preservation, venture capital, and coal mining, just to name a few. Legislators are formulating a plan to keep worthwhile credits while eliminating those that are outdated or don't create "bricks-and-mortar" jobs. Legislators are also looking at the transferability of tax credits and whether or not greater transparency can be achieved.
- Workers' compensation reform: During the 2011 legislative session, the legislature passed and the Governor signed SB 878 which implemented major reforms in Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation laws aimed at reducing employer premiums. Some say the bill did not go far enough, and more reform is needed. NFIB/Oklahoma will fight to make sure that the small business perspective is heard when efforts to further reform Oklahoma’s workers' compensation laws are proposed.
- Health insurance exchanges: As Oklahoma looks to establish its own health insurance exchange, rather than deferring to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to implement their own, NFIB/Oklahoma is working with state leaders to make sure that small business has a seat at the table and is part of the decision-making process.