OKC, Tulsa Mayors Speak Out Against State Question 779

The mayors of Oklahoma’s two biggest cities have come out against SQ 779, the penny sales tax for education.

The proposal will give teachers raises and be a permanent education funding source.

On Friday, OKC Mayor Mick Cornett and Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett claimed that sales tax in those cities would be higher than New York City and San Francisco.

OKC City leaders told News 9 the penny sales tax will stifle city growth.

“If this passes it will severely impact any city in Oklahoma or Oklahoma City from passing another sales tax initiatives,” said OKC City Manager Jim Couch.

That could be a challenge on a potential MAPS 4 vote.

Couch points out that unlike other states, cities in Oklahoma are solely dependent on sales for operations.

He said it’s clear something has to be done about education and teacher pay, but he believes SQ 779 isn’t the answer.

Several mayors across the state believe SQ 779 will hurt municipalities.

According to the most recent News 9 polling, SQ 779 has over 60% support.