Okiahomans should demand the truth from the coalition supporting S.Q. 766. Unfortunately, this coalition has decided to attack Oklahoma judges and mislead Okiahomans rather than address the devastating cuts S.Q. 766 imposes on public schools, career technology centers and county government.

Although each person is entitled to their own opinion, none of us is entitled to our own facts. The truth is that “activist judges” did not create a new tax. The Oklahoma Supreme Court enforced a provision of our state’s constitution that was approved by voters over 40 years ago.

The Oklahoma Tax Commission estimates that passage of S.Q. 766 will result in an immediate loss of $50 million in tax revenue to schools, career technology centers and county government; if the revenue is not otherwise replaced by the state. S.Q. 766 does not stop a new tax on centrally assessed entities like AT&T; the truth is S.O 766 provides a tax break to corporations on the backs of students and county government.

What about the new taxes imposed on Oklahoma families as a result of the 2009 decision of the Oklahoma Supreme Court? The truth is that if S.O 766 fails nothing will change in the State of Oklahoma! Senate Bill 1436, passed on the final day of session, preserves the current tax system in the event S.Q. 766 fails.

Also, according to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, passage of S.Q. 758 will cause schools to annually lose approximately $4.22 million in growth revenue. The truth is a “NO” vote on S.Q. 766 & S.Q. 758 will result in a better solution for all Oklahomans.

Rick Beene, Achille Public School

Bennington Public School, Donna Anderson

Caddo Public School, Richard Thomas

Calera Public School, Gerald Parks

Colbert Public School, Jarvis Dobbs

Durant Public School, Jason Simeroth

Rock Creek Public School, Preston Burns

Silo Public School, Bill Caruthers