OCPA Offers Reaction to Fallin Address
For Immediate Release
February 4, 2013
OCPA Reacts to the Governor’s State of the State Address
OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 4, 2013) — As the OCPA team watched Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin’s third State of the State address today, we were encouraged by the policy solutions she outlined. Gov. Fallin recognizes that Oklahoma’s costly workers’ compensation system dampens our state’s business climate and constricts our job market. The cost savings from reform will allow Oklahoma’s private-sector employers to expand capacity and create additional job opportunities for their friends and neighbors.
OCPA President Michael Carnuccio said, “We applaud the Governor for pointing out the positive impact tax cuts have already had on Oklahoma’s economy and the opportunities they have made possible for Oklahoma families. She instinctively understands our income tax rate is still too high and puts us at a competitive disadvantage against more than one of our neighboring states.”
Fiscally, Gov. Fallin challenged lawmakers to break away from the less-than-transparent state budgeting practices of decades past. In addition, she realizes changes must be made to preserve the state’s employee retirement program to ensure it delivers on its promises and does not become an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.