FALLIN TO TAX VETERANS, ELDERLY, AND FFA [View all]

[OKNancy]

Democratic Party press release

FALLIN TO TAX VETERANS, ELDERLY, AND FFA
Speaker Steele and Pres Pro Tempore Bingman Disregard State's Greatest Citizens

Oklahoma City - Governor Fallin and the Republican Legislature are trying to force senior citizens and military veterans to pay taxes on their retirement or military benefits. Republican support of disastrous legislation like HB 3061, from Speaker Steele, will cripple our State as it tries to take away a third of the State's income. Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Wallace Collins said, "House Bill 3061 is being promoted by Governor Fallin, but it would take away so many benefits from the middle class that it's a crying shame."

A few of the notable deductions that will disappear are Individuals 65 & Older Exemption; Social Security (only benefits taxable at the federal level); Civil Service in lieu of Social Security; Military Retirement Benefits; Government Pensions; Other Retirement Income; Military Pay Exclusions; Qualifying Disability Deduction; Competitive Livestock Show Award. These deductions will act like tax increases on retirees, members of 4-H and FFA organizations, and military service members because they will no longer be able to keep those funds protected from the tax hungry Republican leadership.



"Legislation like HB 3061 will attack some of our State's greatest citizens," Collins continued, "we must take a stand against those who would sellout our elderly, our service members, and our future farmers & ranchers."