Teachers union unveils revenue package proposal

The state's largest teacher union unveiled its own proposal Friday for how state lawmakers could meet the funding demands put forward by the association to avoid a teacher strike April 2.

Representatives from the Oklahoma Education Association said the plan identifies $905.7 million in recurring revenue through a variety of sources. The proposal includes a 5 percent gross production oil and gas tax, a $1.50 per pack increase on cigarettes, $58.8 million in sales tax collection changes and $177 million from income tax changes, which include eliminating the capital gains deduction.

"The Legislature can prevent a walkout, but if they don't act next week, then we will walk," Alicia Priest, president of the Oklahoma Education Association said during a news conference in Oklahoma City. "We cannot and will not continue letting the Legislature ... shortchange our children. They are our future, and we deserve nothing but the best for them."

The OEA has called for a statewide teacher walkout April 2 if state lawmakers don't approve more than $800 million in new funding for next fiscal year, which includes raises for teachers and school support staff.

Read more: http://newsok.com/teachers-union-unveils-revenue-package-proposal/article/5588181