Gov. Henry: No Grocery Sales Tax Unrealistic

The Associated Press

TULSA, OK -- Gov. Brad Henry says passing a bill this year to do away with the state sales tax on groceries is "unrealistic" as the Legislature faces a shortfall estimated at $600 million.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Randy Brogdon (R-Owasso), argues the measure is doable and that every person in Oklahoma would benefit from such a tax cut.

Some estimates project that eliminating the tax could cost the state up to $400 million.

While Henry says he's always supported eliminating the tax, he added that another revenue source would have to make up the loss.

He also says such a tax would have to be done without harming smaller communities in the state that depend on the grocery sales tax as a major source of revenue.