THE TAYLOR GROUP
P.O. Box 18227
Oklahoma City, OK 73154
Phone (405) 525-6336
Fax (405) 525-6339
January 19, 2006
As we are focusing in earnest on the upcoming 2006 Session of the Oklahoma
State Legislature, we expect significant efforts on a number of major issues.
The major issues that we anticipate include:
1. Tort Reform
· Quick and Fair Compensation;
· No Hunting for Deep Pockets;
· Cleaning up Class Action;
· Reduce Health Care Costs; and
· Common-sense Protection for Business Owners.
2. Personal Income Tax Reduction
· 2005 Legislation resulted in a reduction from 6.5% to 6.25%.
· 2006 Legislation is expected to seek a drop below 6%.
3. Education Reform and Funding
· Proposals include a $3,000 /year salary increase for all teachers.
4. Transportation Funding Increases
· 2005 Legislation provided an additional $170 million over the next
5 years.
Expect efforts for additional increases this session.
5. Higher Education Funding
· 2005 Legislation resulted in $500 million in bond money for Capital
Improvements.
· 2006 Legislation will seek appropriation increases to the Higher Education
Funding Formula.
6. Medicaid Reform
· House Medicaid Task Force has met throughout interim to identify reforms
that can save at least $100 Million.
7. Correction Funding with Reforms
· Funding needed to increase number of correct officers to guard prisoners.
8. REDI – Rural Economic Development Initiative
· Expect proposals to “jump start” Economic Development in
rural areas.
9. Research Funding
· Effort will be to achieve “at least” the first steps in
funding a permanent research endowment.
10. Eminent Domain
· Initiative Petition to restrict the ability of government to condemn
private property to be sold to developers.
11. TABOR – Taxpayer Bill of Rights
· Initiative Petition has been filed and is currently under challenge.
Could limit funding increases for future Government programs.