OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma chapter of the free-market grassroots group Americans for Prosperity (AFP-Oklahoma) today called Governor Brad Henry’s decision to sign the bipartisan tax relief package sent to his desk one week ago by the Oklahoma State Senate a true victory for taxpayers. The citizen group, which mobilized its grassroots activists in support of the tax relief legislation, says its focus will now turn to eliminating wasteful, duplicative state spending.  “The tax cuts contained in this bill represent meaningful tax relief for Oklahoma’s hard-working families as well as small business owners,” said AFP-Oklahoma Director Stuart Jolly. “However, our grassroots activists are aware that tax relief will be short-lived unless state spending is brought under control. Eliminating redundant state spending is the next big challenge we plan to tackle with the help of our grassroots activists.” The tax relief package would accelerate a reduction of the state’s top marginal income tax rate passed last year, bringing the rate from its current 5.65 percent down to 5.25 percent one year earlier than planned. The tax cut legislation would also eliminate the state’s franchise tax for most small businesses, provide a statewide three-day “back to school” sales tax holiday, and create a tax credit for stay-at-home parents similar to the credit offered to parents with children in daycare. “Governor Henry did right by taxpayers to sign this legislation, although citizens would have appreciated it if he had signed this bill more quickly,” Jolly said. “Returning hard-earned tax dollars to citizens in the form of tax relief should always be a priority for our elected officials. We will continue to watch the legislature and the Governor during ongoing budget negotiations to ensure special interests don’t take precedence over taxpayers’ interests.” Jolly noted that while Americans for Prosperity supported a full repeal of the state’s business franchise tax, the partial repeal set in place by this legislation signals an important step in that direction. Partial repeal is not ideal because it still means many larger businesses will be hit with a double tax whammy by being forced to pay both Oklahoma’s corporate income tax and the franchise tax. Partial repeal also complicates the Tax Code, creates an added burden on businesses to prove they’re entitled to the exemption, and reiterates the disincentive – fear of losing the exemption – for small businesses to grow. “The passage of this tax relief package is a tremendous victory for Oklahoma citizens,” Jolly concluded. “Americans for Prosperity will be working day and night to win additional victories that will deliver the opportunity for prosperity to every Oklahoman.” Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org # # #