Short on revenue, Oklahoma's governor eyes taxes on cigarettes, tattoos and car washes

Looking at a budget hole approaching $900 million, Gov. Mary Fallin and her finance officials said Wednesday they likely will ask the Republican-dominated Legislature to do something that goes against conservative orthodoxy — approve new taxes.

Top state officials, who have been saying for years that Oklahoma has a spending problem, not a revenue problem, now say the state simply has to take in more money if it is to adequately fund government priorities like public safety, health and education.

Potential revenue-gathering measures include a cigarette tax and a broadened sales tax that will take in things that are now exempt, like car washes, tattoos and pet grooming.

Fallin said Oklahoma has $8 billion in sales tax exemptions.

Read more: http://newsok.com/short-on-revenue-oklahomas-governor-eyes-taxes-on-cigarettes-tattoos-and-car-washes/article/5531704