Democrat lawmakers criticize Keating veto

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Democratic leaders of the Oklahoma Legislature are criticizing Governor Keating's veto of a bill cutting car tag fees. <br><br>Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor of

Wednesday, May 17th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Democratic leaders of the Oklahoma Legislature are criticizing Governor Keating's veto of a bill cutting car tag fees.

Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor of Claremore says that by using his veto power today, Keating has "stuck with a flawed status quo."

Taylor says motorists who pay more than $85 for tags can blame the governor.

House Speaker Loyd Benson of Frederick calls it a "sad day for all Oklahomans."

Keating vetoed a tag fee cut sponsored by Democrats last year. The bill this year would have shave $22.3 million off tags costs, capping the cost at $85. But Keating says it would have boosted excise taxes by $80 million on used cars because of a change in how the tax is assessed.