A measure that would offer massive tax incentives to a potential Oklahoma City NBA franchise has met with resistance from State Representative Brian Renegar (D-McAlester), who feels legislators should instead focus on a state employee pay raise.
“State employees have only had two pay raises in the past seven years,” he said. “Costs of living are skyrocketing for these dedicated public servants and the entire legislature seems to say ‘there isn’t enough money.’ I say there’s not enough money because of corporate welfare such as this.”
At stake, according to Renegar, is a revision of the Quality Jobs Act which would grant the potential pro basketball franchise a 15 year break from state taxes, compared to the usual ten for other companies.
“We found out this week that this team’s ownership spent almost $400,000 to fund an ad campaign in Oklahoma City that granted them $120 million in tax money to relocate,” he said. When is enough enough?”
Renegar said the measure is especially frustrating in light of the poor attention paid to state agencies and their employees.
“This state lost over $80 million last year in state employee turnover,” he said. “This happens because this state does not pay a decent wage for those who provide services to our taxpayers.”
Renegar said that other factors than corporate subsidies should be on the minds of lawmakers.
“State facilities, especially those within the Department of Corrections are ready to crumble at any minute,” he said. “The Oklahoma State Prison in my district has already had its Centennial.”
Renegar calls on House and Senate Leadership to find solutions to the state employee salary crisis.
“It’s time for someone in Leadership to take a stand on this issue,” he said. “This should not be a partisan issue but one where lawmakers come together to do the right thing.”
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2008
by Bud Elder