State House committee chairman questions focus of state Senate tax bill

Wednesday, March 23rd 2005, 4:57 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Legislation that would cut income taxes on working families was sent to the state House floor for debate Wednesday after a Republican committee chairman questioned whether it will strengthen Oklahoma's economy.

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee advanced the bill in spite of concerns by Representative Kevin Calvey that its focus on raising the standard deduction for taxpayers who do not itemize is the best way to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

Calvey supports a bill by GOP House Speaker Todd Hiett that would cut income taxes by $100-million a year. Supporters have said a cut in the maximum income tax rate from 6.65 percent to 6.25 percent will attract more high-paying jobs and employers.