State Questions Explained

Oklahoma's voters will have plenty of decisions to make next Tuesday. Besides all the candidates on the ballot, there are four state questions, and not all of them are easy to understand - but we

Wednesday, November 1st 2006, 10:15 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma's voters will have plenty of decisions to make next Tuesday. Besides all the candidates on the ballot, there are four state questions, and not all of them are easy to understand - but we told News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan to give it a try.

They could easily be overlooked this campaign season, but each of these questions, can only be answered by voters.

State Question 724 would cut off the state paychecks for legislators who serve time in jail or prison. The issue came up after now former state Representative Mike O'Neal of Enid was arrested for grabbing a woman's behind. He continued to collect his state paycheck because there wasn't a way for it to be stopped. The state question would change that.

State Question 725 would tap the Rainy Day Fund for incentives to companies who might otherwise leave Oklahoma. The money could only be used in years the Rainy Day Fund tops $80 million and the total incentives would be limited to $10-million each year. A committee would select the companies for the money and it would require approval from the Governor and leaders of the state House and state Senate.

State Question 733 would change the law that prohibits the sale of liquor while people are voting. As it is now, liquor stores close on Election Day, but some reopen when the polls close - and have a line of customers.

State Question 734 is the most confusing of the four - in fact, the Tulsa World found it stumped a group of students who understood all the others. The ballot question would clarify the rules for a property tax exemption on products being shipped through the state. The current law is confusing for the state trying to collect the tax and for businesses trying to get the exemption.

These four questions were all drafted at the state capitol, written by lawyers, so they're not all easy to understand the first time you read them.

If you'd like to take a look at the text of the ballot questions, CLICK HERE.