Rep. Cody Maynard
We are facing a 40-year high in inflation, which raises a lot of concern. In response to the rising costs of living, the House remains committed to providing relief to the people of Oklahoma.
Recent data shows that the average Oklahoman spends almost $300 per trip to the grocery store, making Oklahoma one of the top 10 states with the highest weekly grocery bills.
Just this week, the Senate passed House Bill 1955 to eliminate the state’s portion of the grocery tax. In addition to eliminating the state’s 4.5% tax, it includes a provision preventing municipalities and counties from raising sales taxes on groceries until June 30, 2025.
HB1955 delivers the most significant single-year tax cut in the state’s history, putting $418 million back in the pockets of Oklahomans. The average Oklahoman will see savings of $105.79 at the grocery store.
Eliminating the regressive state grocery sales tax alleviates a substantial financial burden on citizens and is a crucial step toward providing relief for Oklahomans, particularly when inflation rates are skyrocketing.
The sales tax reduction will apply to most groceries, but certain items remain taxable. Alcoholic beverages, prepared foods that are heated or prepared by the seller, dietary supplements, and tobacco and marijuana products are still taxable. The sales tax exemption also does not apply to items sold from a vending machine.
The governor has committed to signing any tax cut bill that crosses his desk. He also specified that HB1955 will be signed into law on Tuesday, Feb. 27. However, because the Senate removed the bill’s emergency clause, HB1955 is set to take effect in August, 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.
While eliminating the state grocery tax is a good first step, more work remains to alleviate the tax burden on Oklahomans. The approval of HB1955 is part of a larger initiative to provide comprehensive tax relief for Oklahomans. I am committed to supporting further tax reduction programs, such as the 0.25% income tax cut, to offer more help to the people of Oklahoma.
Again, thank you for electing me to serve District 21. It is truly an honor and privilege to represent you at the State Capitol. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at 405-557-7366 or cody.maynard@okhouse.gov.
Rep. Cody Maynard, a Republican, serves District 21 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Bryan and Marshall counties.