Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb resigns from Fallins cabinet over proposed tax policy [View all]
Source: KFOR
On Thursday, Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb announced his resignation from Fallin's cabinet, where he serves as Oklahoma's Small Business Advocate. Lamb says he decided to resign after learning about Fallin's proposed tax plan to get the state back on budget.
Governor Fallin deserves to have someone in her cabinet who can be a strong advocate for her agenda, and that is something I am unwilling to do. While I respect the determination with which Governor Fallin met her obligation to present a balanced budget to the legislature, I cannot support her proposed tax increases. This proposal will adversely harm Oklahomas small businesses and families, especially those in our service industry. While Governor Fallin and I have disagreed on issues from time-to-time, our differences on this important topic are so significant they preclude me from continuing to serve on her cabinet.
Fallin has proposed broadening the state's sales tax base by imposing new fees on more than 100 services, such as plumbing, barbers and attorneys.
That includes adding a state tax on residential utility customers. Utilities already pass on city and county taxes. Municipal utilities and co-ops would not have to pay the state tax.
Read more: http://kfor.com/2017/02/16/lt-gov-todd-lamb-resigns-from-fallins-cabinet-over-proposed-tax-policy/
Rumor is that there is something not quite right about the budget shortfall and that Fallin's shotgun approach to tax just about everything might be to cover up some unreported mess. It sounds like Lamb is bailing out while he can. He would be an obvious candidate for the Republicans to run for Governor next time. Maybe he is trying to keep any stench from hitting him.
Oklahomans might want to call their State Senators and Representatives about Fallin's tax policy.
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