Opinion
Oklahomans want limited government, lower taxes
Political scientists will tell you that Oklahoma’s political culture is one of the most conservative in the nation. So it’s always encouraging, though not surprising, for me to see survey results like these obtained in August by the nationally recognized polling firm Cole Hargrave Snodgrass & Associates.
The firm conducted telephone interviews of 500 registered voters in Oklahoma and the survey’s margin of error is +/- 4.3 percent. Take a look for yourself at the questions and the responses.
In the latest year for which data are available, the average Oklahoman spent nearly three hours of a typical eight-hour workday in order to earn enough money to pay their federal, state and local taxes. Do you think that tax burden is too high, too low, or just about right?
• Too high — 59 percent
• Too low — 2 percent
• Just about right — 34 percent
• Undecided — 5 percent
If Oklahoma state government is again faced with a budget shortfall, do you think the state should:
• Cut spending — 80 percent
• Raise taxes — 11 percent
• Undecided — 9 percent
Which would you rather see in Oklahoma?
• A smaller government with fewer services — 60 percent
• A larger government with many services — 23 percent
• Undecided — 17 percent
Out of every dollar the Oklahoma state government collects in taxes, how many cents (if any) do you think are wasted?
• 0 to 19 — 17 percent
• 20 to 59 — 51 percent
• More than 60 — 12 percent
• Undecided — 19 percent
BRANDON DUTCHER, of Edmond, is vice president for policy at the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs. OCPA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that formulates public policy research and analysis consistent with the principles of free enterprise and limited government.
- Opinion
-
-
Edwards book missing some perspective
During his run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 2008 John Edwards often spoke about the plight of the less fortunate in our society. At campaign events the former senator from North Carolina told of how American workers whose jobs had gone overseas as a result of globalization were unable to support their families and were now living in poverty.
-
Government purchasing process needs more transparency
In last week’s legislative update, I talked about how social media can be used as a feedback mechanism by businesses. I posited that state government should be allowed to take advantage of these same techniques, and I have heard from state officials how they need a clear set of policies to govern their actions in using social media projects.
-
Preparing for a Rainy Day
This year, Oklahoma faces one of the worst budget crises in our state’s history. The decisions that lie ahead for state leaders will be difficult, but I have no doubt that Oklahoma will weather this storm and emerge stronger.
-
HB 2914 could create jobs, expand economy
This last week the 2010 Legislative Session kicked off at the limestone palace on 23rd and Lincoln. While the Legislature will consider hundreds of bills in the next four months, there is one that is my favorite — HB 2914 by Rep. Danny Morgan.
-
Moving up in national testing scores
A long history of education reform is positively impacting our public schools, earning Oklahoma high marks on two recent national report cards. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Leaders and Laggards” national report card in late 2009 gave Oklahoma an “A” (second in the nation) for “Technology” for the use of Web-based programs and computer-based assessments, which was one of six categories graded. Our state received a “B” in the “Data” category for our state’s educational data system, ranking 11th in the nation.
-
Staying alive: The legacy of Will Rogers
Recently, I received an e-mail from a theatrical producer in Chicago. David happily shared with me the script of a new one-man show set to premiere at a theater in suburban Oakbrook in late March. Ticket sales are going great, he reported. People are excited, and two matinee performances are already sold out. The subject of the production just so happens to be a gum-chewing, lariat-tossing, wise and witty cowboy by the name of Will Rogers.
-
For Oklahoma: Less can really mean more
While Oklahoma digs out from massive winter storms the governor and Legislature are faced with digging Oklahoma out of a severe fiscal crisis.
The governor in his state message vowed to protect education and Oklahoma’s most vulnerable. This is an immediate challenge, but solutions must go beyond protection to implementation of long-term reforms for Oklahoma’s future. -
Cities attempt to eliminate accountability notices
Little things can make a big difference. Printed public notices in newspapers are little things, but they make a big difference when keeping government accountable to citizens and taxpayers.
It is no surprise the Oklahoma Municipal League has introduced legislative proposals to eliminate printed notices in newspapers. -
Brotherly love just as important as prayer
You hear a lot about prayer these days and it brings a story to mind. There are several versions of this old tale drifting around in different cultures but they all have the same basic outline.
A certain farmer found himself harvesting a crop that exceeded his wildest expectations. After years of living on the edge of poverty, his ship finally had come in and he was on the road to prosperity at last. -
Can the president reconnect with Americans?
You could tell President Obama’s State of the Union speech was shaped by public opinion polls. That’s not necessarily bad, especially when it comes to a presidency that has been veering off track, and losing key political battles.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Edwards book missing some perspective
