The State Senate voted today to eliminate the state income tax, effective July 1st.  The proposal was added to Senate Bill 3 which reinstated a tax credit for the aerospace industry.  Sen. Tom Adelson (D-Tulsa) offered the amendment to the bill, saying that it was time for Republicans to ‘walk the walk.’  His amendment repeals the section of Oklahoma Statute dealing with the income tax.  He added, “I want to make sure Oklahomans have ability to see all the benefits you promise with elimination of income tax.”

During questioning on his amendment, it was clear that Senator Adelson did not agree with the elimination of the income tax.  In fact, he voted against his own amendment.

The bill passed with the title stricken.  That means even if the House were to approve the bill, it would have to come back to the Senate for another vote.  Senate Democratic leader Andrew Rice (D-Oklahoma City) told Oklahoma Watchdog after the floor session that he doesn’t expect the bill to come back to the Senate in its current condition.