Chamber: Oklahomans strongly oppose new municipal taxes/fees on paper and plastic

Oklahomans Strongly Oppose New Municipal Taxes, Fees

Taxes, Fees on Paper and Plastic Products Strongly Opposed

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 3, 2019) – A statewide survey conducted by 1892 LLC on behalf of the State Chamber of Oklahoma reveals a supermajority (76%) of registered Oklahoma voters oppose allowing cities and towns to impose new taxes and fees for paper and plastic products. The survey was conducted March 31 and April 1. Legislation (SB 1001) to prevent municipalities from arbitrarily enacting new taxes and/or fees on a variety of consumer products is pending before the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

The survey found that Oklahoma voters are far less likely to vote for candidates who support enacting or increasing taxes and fees on paper or plastic products. Seventy-one (71%) percent of respondents said they are less likely to vote for a candidate who supports increasing taxes on paper or plastic products. When examined by political party affiliation, Republicans are net less likely to vote for that candidate by -76% (Independents net less likely by -43% and Democrats net less likely by -22%).

Voters in all five Oklahoma congressional districts, including the Oklahoma City and Tulsa media markets, are net less likely to vote for a candidate in support of new municipal taxes and or fees.

“We wanted a clearer understanding of how Oklahomans feel about this issue, and the survey reveals that most Oklahomans—from all political parties and in all areas of the state—are strongly opposed to allowing municipalities to enact new taxes and fees on consumer items such as paper and plastic products,” said Mike Jackson, Executive Vice President of Government & Political Affairs for the State Chamber. “Data also confirms that these policies harm local economies and employment, without significant environmental benefit.”