Speaker Charles McCall Responds To Funding Bill Criticism

Speaker of the House Charles McCall is responding to claims that say the teacher funding bill is not fully funded.

Democrats said the repeal of the lodging tax leaves a shortfall.

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In a statement, McCall says, "Teachers can rest assured that these pay raises have already been funded. Period. The repeal of the lodging tax leaves us with a $32 million shortfall, but the reality is we have multiple ways of replacing that revenue."

McCall said one option being considered is collecting sales tax from third-party sellers on the Amazon marketplace.

Sales tax is already collected on purchases directly from the retailer.

The Oklahoma Tax Commission estimates the state could generate more than $20 million if that tax is collected.