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Istook Promises to Eliminate State's Individual Income Tax

Posted on: Thursday, 23 March 2006, 12:00 CST

By Michael McNutt, The Daily Oklahoman

Mar. 23--EDMOND -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Ernest Istook said Wednesday he would work to eliminate the state's individual income tax and would use an Oklahoma conservative public policy group to help decide where to cut state spending.

The state could use gross production tax revenues -- up significantly because of higher oil prices -- to make up for the loss of individual income tax revenue, Istook said. Istook told members of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee the individual income tax rate of 6.25 percent should be reduced annually until it is eliminated. If elected, his approach, he said, would be similar to the limbo dance: "How low can you go?"

Istook, who is giving up his 5th Congressional District seat to run for governor, said he would use data compiled by the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs to help determine reductions in state spending.

Istook, who is opposed in the GOP primary by state Sen. James Williamson and oilman Bob Sullivan, lashed out at Democratic Gov. Brad Henry, saying he lacks leadership skills. He also criticized Henry for supporting lottery and casino gaming to bolster state revenues.

"I do not believe that you can tax and gamble your way to prosperity," Istook said. "We do not have leadership in the governor's office. I shudder to think where we would be if it weren't for the oil and gas industry right now that is holding up Oklahoma's economy. ... It's not anything that's been done at the state Capitol." Oklahoma also has a role with the federal government to crack down on illegal immigrants, he said. Istook would like for local and state law officers to take part in a national training program in immigration laws so they can be involved more in detecting, detaining and deporting illegal immigrants.

"We should not be a sanctuary for illegal immigrants," he said. "We want people to come here, but we want them to do it the right way."

Istook said Oklahoma should be the 29th state to make English its official language.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Daily Oklahoman

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Source: The Daily Oklahoman

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