The massive fee hikes the Oklahoma Legislature enacted to help ease next year's budget shortfall might not withstand a state constitutional challenge, some attorneys have told .
NewsOK
BY RANDY ELLIS
Published: June 20, 2010
Multimillion dollar fee hikes recently enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature might not withstand a state constitutional challenge, some attorneys have told The Oklahoman.
Others, including Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry, disagree.
"We believe the fees in this year's budget are constitutional,” said Paul Sund, the governor's communications director.
The Legislature has generally shied away from trying to raise taxes since 1992 when Oklahomans approved State Question 640, a state constitutional amendment severely limiting the Legislature's ability to increase taxes without a vote of the people.
The same cannot be said of fees. The Legislature has enacted and increased numerous fees over the past 18 years without calling for a public vote... FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Sun, June 20, 2010
by Crystal Drwenski