Workers comp reform, tax-cut agreements hinted at
By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau on Apr 18, 2013, at 1:45 AM Updated on 4/18/13 at 5:46 AM
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OKLAHOMA CITY - The Legislature is days away from making some announcements on historic agreements, House Speaker T.W. Shannon said Wednesday.
Shannon, R-Lawton, and Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, spoke as part of Tulsa Regional Chamber day at the Capitol.
Lawmakers have been working on workers compensation reform and reducing the state's income tax.
Shannon said switching to an administrative workers compensation system from an adversarial one tops the list of things needed to increase economic development.
"The number one detriment to Oklahoma businesses is workers compensation," Bingman said, adding that lawmakers are working to resolve small issues regarding the bill.
"Workers compensation (reform) is going to happen this year," said House Majority Floor Leader Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa.
The bill has drawn criticism for reducing benefits to injured workers.
It could be heard in the House on Monday, said Jadine Nollan, R-Sand Springs.
Shannon said tax reform likely will include changes to tax credits, something that has been a sticking point between the two chambers. The Senate has advocated changes to tax credits and economic incentives to pay for a reduction in the state income tax.
Lawmakers are considering reducing the income tax to 4.95 percent from 5.25 percent.
Shannon said legislators are weeks away from announcing an agreement on historic increases for common education. Lawmakers have said additional funds are needed to pay for education reforms passed in previous sessions.
Barbara Hoberock 405-528-2465
barbara.hoberock@tulsaworld.com
Original Print Headline: Workers comp reform, tax-cut deals hinted at
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