The largest tax cut in state history will take effect at the end of this month, and all Oklahomans will benefit every time they go grocery shopping. On Aug. 29, Oklahoma will eliminate the state portion of the grocery sales tax — a 4.5% tax cut that will hopefully provide all residents some immediate relief from rising food prices and high inflation. When you look at your grocery receipt, you may still see some taxes charged by local governments. Municipalities set local grocery taxes to fund their government operations, and these taxes will continue after the state portion of the grocery tax is eliminated. Some products sold in the supermarket, including alcoholic beverages, certain medications, tobacco products and some prepared foods, will remain subject to state taxes after Aug. 29. The Oklahoma Tax Commission’s website has more information on what grocery products will soon be exempt from state taxes.I’m proud to be one of a select few lawmakers to receive a perfect score this year on the State Chamber Research Foundation’s RIED report for economic growth and business development. The Research Institute for Economic Development report grades lawmakers based on their votes on job creation, economic growth and pro-business bills. I will always do everything I can to support our local businesses while also backing policies to grow and diversify our economy and improve the state’s overall business climate.On that note, the new Legislative Evaluation and Development Committee, which will review the state’s economic development policies and projects to attract more companies to Oklahoma, held its first meeting on Wednesday. I’m excited to serve on this bipartisan and bicameral panel that I hope will help transform how we do economic development in Oklahoma. Speaking of economic development, I was recently in Shidler for the grand opening of a new direct air carbon capture facility and storage plant that is a partnership between Heimdal Inc. and CapturePoint LLC. It’s thrilling that Senate District 10 will be a hub for such innovative technology.I was disappointed to hear that NuCera Solutions, the largest employer in Barnsdall, won’t reopen following the devastating tornado in May. I appreciate the Department of Commerce working with NuCera to offer support and financial assistance to help the business rebuild and resume operations. Unfortunately, company officials felt closing the plant was their best option. My heart goes out to all their employees and the residents of Barnsdall.I’m planning to ...
