'Marriage should not penalize any taxpayer': Tax reform bill passes Oklahoma House
On Monday afternoon, the Oklahoma House passed HB2697— an amendment to the state's tax code.
Rep. Cody Maynard (R-Durant) authored the measure, which, according to the representative's office, "[changes] the 3.75% tax bracket from $2,400 to $4,600 so that two individuals filing taxes separately would pay the same amount as a married couple reporting the same total combined income."
The legislation passed 93-0 — garnering support across the board from Republicans and Democrats.
According to Rep. Maynard, HB 2697 was a pro-family effort.
The Durant Republican is a certified public accountant and explained that he came across a glitch in the tax code that hurt married couples and single parents alike through his work.
"When we're one of 15 states that still have a penalty on our books for marriage, that's just something that we have to correct," he shared.
He further added that "It'll help lower tax burdens for all in the state, and help make sure that we support families as much as possible."
Rep. Mickey Dollens (D-Oklahoma City) called the vote on HB 2697 one of the rare times when lawmakers show widespread agreement across party lines at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
In his view, "This is sensible tax policy that helps Oklahomans, and at the end of the day, it doesn't matter if you're Republican or Democrat or independent, that's something we can all agree on."
Rep. Maynard also emphasized that the reform would also benefit single parents.
"I do not think under any circumstances you should be penalized for choosing to be married, or be penalized for having a child," asserted Rep. Maynard.
Should the bill pass the Oklahoma Senate and receive Gov. Kevin Stitt's approval, it wouldn't take effect in time for taxpayers until next year's tax season.
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