Bill To Ditch Grocery Sales Tax Advances

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A bill to phase out the state sales tax on groceries over five years has advanced in the Oklahoma Senate.

Some Democrats charged the Republican-sponsored bill is a political ploy. They say the state can't cut taxes and meet basic obligations in a year when lawmakers are grappling with a $900 million shortfall.

Still, the vote was 38-8 for the measure, which also has had support from many Democrats who say taxing groceries is regressive, hurting low-income taxpayers the most.

The tax cut would be $44 million next year and $300 million when fully implemented.

The bill, by GOP Sen. Mike Mazzei of Bartlesville, now goes to the House for consideration.