Details Emerge About Dark Money Pro-Tax, Anti-Energy Group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 8, 2014

Branan: Oklahomans won’t be fooled and Legislature won’t bend to false advertising

Sen. Cliff Branan, Chair of the Senate Energy Committee, released the following statement today regarding a recent advertising campaign organized by a group called Oklahomans for a Prosperous Future.

Branan’s comments reference an ad being broadcast throughout Oklahoma, which can be viewed here: http://youtu.be/20kT3-yzxC8 The ad attacks tax policy that has helped create a booming horizontal drilling industry in Oklahoma, and advocates for a large tax increase on oil production.

“Advertising from a group incorporated by an individual who has given tens of thousands of dollars to the campaigns of Barack Obama is misguided, at best, and downright deceitful at worst. To call a tax of any level a ‘subsidy’ is ludicrous. Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry already provides at least 22 percent of all state government revenues – that is not a ‘giveaway’ as the ad claims.

“Instead of seeking to demonize those who have grown our economy and employ thousands of Oklahomans, we should be applauding these job creators for generating wealth and opportunity in our state. As someone who travels the state and visits with Oklahomans, I know that we all benefit from having drilling rigs in our state.

“Rather than paying attention to a sensational ad that uses children as an emotional ploy, I would encourage Oklahomans to talk to their friends and neighbors about whether they want to keep a vibrant oil and natural gas industry in our state, or if they would prefer the industry take their jobs elsewhere.

“I encourage my fellow legislators to join me in opposing the 700 percent tax increase being sought by those sponsoring this advertisement.”

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