Since 2021, we’ve all felt the impact of rising inflation, which has significantly increased the cost of living. Many people find it increasingly challenging to stretch their dollars to keep up with these financial pressures. This growing economic strain has prompted widespread concern and calls for action to alleviate the burden on household budgets.
According to March 2024 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 60% of respondents from Oklahoma reported struggling to cover their regular household expenses in the past week. Recent data suggests that Oklahomans spend an average of nearly $300 per trip to the grocery store, which places Oklahoma in the top 10 states with the highest weekly grocery bills. In response, the House has decided to provide relief to Oklahomans by eliminating the sales tax on groceries through House Bill 1955.
Starting August 29, Oklahomans will no longer be required to pay state sales tax on groceries, allowing families to keep more of their money. However, certain items, such as ready-to-eat prepared foods, heated foods, and grocery deli items, will still be taxable. To determine which items are exempt from the state sales tax, please visit Oklahoma.gov/tax.html. It is also important to remember that local taxes will still be applied to grocery bills.
This tax cut is putting more money back into the pockets of Oklahomans, giving us the choice of how to spend our money. Unlike complicated policy solutions that take time to show results, removing taxes on groceries provides immediate savings. We are predicting that about $418 million will go back to Oklahomans, saving each person an average of $105.79 at the checkout line each year.
It’s an honor to be part of the state’s most significant single-year tax cut. We must remember that it doesn’t stop here—we must continue to deliver more money into the hands of Oklahomans.
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 405-5577366 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.
