State Rep files bill to lower vehicle transfer, trade-in taxes

Bashore Bill Would Lower Vehicle Transfer, Trade-in Taxes

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, has filed legislation for 2022 that would reconfigure how the base excise tax is determined when a vehicle is transferred and would allow a trade-in deduction allowance on the purchase price of a vehicle.  

"Letting individuals to keep the money they've earned allows them to make their own decisions about how this income is best spent," Bashore said. "It's proven that lowering taxes and allowing this flexibility stimulates the economy."

Bashore said House Bill 2986 would bring Oklahoma in line with how regional states, such as Kansas, Texas and Arkansas, calculate excise tax – based on the net cost of a vehicle rather than the gross cost. It also would lower the taxation amount that Oklahomans currently face when trading vehicles. The measure is estimated to save taxpayers about $47.3 million in associated motor vehicle excise tax from the deduction of the trade-in allowance.

State Reps. Cornwell, Bashore on Closure of Vinita VA Clinic

Cornwell, Bashore on Closure of Vinita VA Clinic

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Rusty Cornwell, R-Vinita, and Steve Bashore, R-Miami, today released the following statement in response to news that the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs is seeking to close the Veterans Affairs clinic in Vinita.

"I am deeply disappointed by the sudden news that the Veterans Affairs clinic in Vinita will be closing," Cornwell said. "I've seen firsthand what a burden it was to travel so far for healthcare services. My grandfather was a veteran who had to travel several hours to visit a VA clinic, and he didn't visit as often as he probably needed to because it was so far away from his family and work responsibilities. And now, sadly, even more veterans will have to go through the exact same difficulties. My heart hurts that this is happening to the men and women who have given so much to our country and at the process by which this choice was made."

Cornwell continued: "The unexpected decision was announced without consulting my office or community leaders, despite the huge role the VA clinic plays in the Vinita community and the much-needed services it provides to our many veterans. I ask that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reconsider this closure and I hope to hear details soon regarding how and why this decision was reached."

"For many of the veterans from House District 7, the Vinita Veterans Affairs clinic is the closest facility to meet their healthcare needs," Bashore. "I don't want to see them have to make a longer drive to receive services. I, too, look forward to hearing from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on how they intend to best meet the needs of our local population. I thank our veterans for their service to our nation and our fellow citizens, and I want to ensure their needs are met in the best possible manner."