Rep. Cody Maynard
House and Senate leaders along with the governor this week announced a plan to cut personal income taxes by a quarter-percent for the top three tax brackets in the state and to completely eliminate income tax for the bottom three brackets beginning for tax year 2026. The plan also includes a path to zero income tax once certain revenue projections are met going forward.
This is a solid step toward eliminating the state’s income tax and will keep us competitive with surrounding states. Texas has no income tax, and Arkansas residents will soon pay just 3%. Lowering Oklahoma’s income tax will help us keep residents, consumers and businesses in our state.
When government takes less, families have more freedom, small businesses can thrive, and the private sector—not bureaucracy—drives economic growth. The data is clear: states with lower tax burdens see stronger job creation, higher population growth, and more resilient economies.
Our Constitution outlines a limited set of responsibilities for state government—focused on protecting public safety, maintaining infrastructure, and supporting basic services. But over time, government has crept into areas it was never intended to control. It’s time to reverse that trend and restore fiscal discipline.
This tax cut is just one part of a broader budget agreement. As final legislation is still being written, I’ll share more details about other components of the budget in a future update.
On another note, it was a special honor for me to participate this week in recognizing Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Jerrid Hobbie, with Troop E in Bryan County, as the Trooper of the Year for 2024.
On the night of Aug. 11, 2024, Trooper Hobbie heard a call of domestic disturbance. A husband was pursuing his wife and two children with a firearm. The situation escalated as the suspect rammed his wife’s vehicle, causing it to overturn and erupt into flames. A Bryan County Deputy was first on the scene and exchanged gunfire with the suspect. The deputy was struck several times. Trooper Hobbie was the next responder to arrive. He was able to get the suspect into custody and render aid to the deputy. Trooper Hobbie showed unselfish heroism and without hesitation put his own life in jeopardy to do what was needed.
For this exemplary display of service without regard to his own welfare, we recognized Trooper Hobbie on the Senate floor and presented him with a citation from Sen. David Bullard and myself. What a privilege to get to honor one of Oklahoma’s finest law enforcement officers.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. It’s an honor to represent the great people of District 21.
