Oklahoma

With Oklahoma top 10 in GDP growth, Stitt says tax cuts can keep it…

Published

2 years ago

February 19, 2024

With Oklahoma top 10 in GDP growth, Stitt says tax cuts can keep it…

Oklahoma’s state gross domestic product (GDP) growth is stronger than all but eight states, according to recent data. Some policymakers welcome that news and want to keep the trend going.

Gov. Kevin Stitt says tax cuts—specifically, putting the state’s personal income tax on the path to full repeal—is the best way to achieve that goal.

“Long term, my job is to try to grow the state and make us the most business-friendly state,” Stitt said. “And I would prefer to have an income-tax cut, get us down to zero.”

Lawmakers are currently discussing tax cuts with calls to cut the personal income tax and exempt groceries from the state sales tax both being debated. Lawmakers have $543 million in growth revenue available this year.

However, Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, recently said he does not support passage of both proposals this year, saying that “we cannot have both a grocery tax cut and an income tax cut this year.”

Stitt has said he would sign both tax cuts into law. But if he had to choose just one, he said he would select the income-tax cut because it would make Oklahoma more attractive for business investment, which results in the creation of more jobs and higher wages.

“That actually is going to help education. It’s going to help infrastructure. It’s going to help workforce. It’s going to help quality of life,” Stitt said. “Because we’re going to have more and more businesses moving here.”

Oklahoma’s state economic growth is currently stronger than what is occurring in much of the country. When ABC News recently reviewed state economies, the news outlet found that Oklahoma recorded 6 percent GDP growth, annualized, in the third quarter of 2023, based on U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data.

Only eight states had higher real gross domestic product growth than Oklahoma.

Notably, of the handful of states with stronger GDP growth, three have no personal income tax: Florida (6.1 percent GDP growth), Nevada (6.3 percent GDP growth), and Texas (7.7 percent GDP growth).

Lawmakers in Nebraska, which was also among the eight states with stronger GDP growth than Oklahoma, voted last year to lower that state’s personal income tax from 6.64 percent to 3.99 percent by 2027, which will give it a significantly lower tax rate than Oklahoma.

The top bracket in Nebraska also kicks in at a much higher level than Oklahoma’s top bracket. Nebraska’s top personal-income-tax rate is imposed on individuals with income above $37,130 and married couples with income above $74,260. In contrast, Oklahoma’s top income-tax rate is imposed at $7,200 for single filers and $12,200 for joint filers, meaning Oklahoma’s tax impacts low-income families much more aggressively.

Grocery Exemptions and Unintended Consequences

Proponents of exempting groceries from the state sales tax have argued that low-income families will get much more benefit from that change than from an income-tax cut.

But research shows that is not necessarily true.

In April 2022, the Tax Foundation found that the poor actually pay more in sales taxes when states exempt groceries from the sales tax because the sales-tax rate on other goods is typically kept higher to make up the difference.

“The poorest decile of households experiences 9 percent more sales tax liability with a grocery tax exemption than they would if groceries were taxed and the general rate were reduced commensurately,” the Tax Foundation reported.

Most states also impose the sales tax on prepared food even when they exempt groceries from the sales tax. Since low-income families tend to rely on prepared food more than upper-income families, lower-income families disproportionately pay more in sales tax on food items even in states that exempt groceries from the sales tax, the Tax Foundation noted.

In March 2023, the State Chamber Research Foundation similarly noted that calls to exempt groceries from state sales tax are “popular, yet often economically counterproductive.” If a sales tax is applied broadly with fewer exemptions, that translates into a lower sales-tax rate that “limits distortions in economic decision making,” the foundation found.

“That is, compared to other types of taxes (such as income tax), broad-based sales taxes generate less influence on the individuals’ economic decisions,” the State Chamber Research Foundation stated. “Thus, generally speaking, states do better to rely more on broad-based sales taxes than on taxes on labor or capital investment, such as income tax or tangible property taxes. From a state revenue perspective, sales taxes tend to be a more stable revenue stream than income taxes, enabling more predictability in state budgeting.”

The Tax Foundation recommended that policymakers provide a $75 per-person tax credit to offset the impact that grocery sales taxes have on poor families, rather than adopting a complete sales-tax exemption for all grocery purchases.

“Sales taxes are more stable and pro-growth than many other forms of taxation, especially income taxes, so policymakers have an opportunity to increase tax progressivity, enhance revenue stability, and improve economic competitiveness by taxing groceries, providing a credit, and using the remaining revenue from base broadening to cut income taxes,” the Tax Foundation stated.

Stitt has said an expansion of Oklahoma’s existing tax credit for grocery purchases by low-income families is one way to address concerns about tax regressivity.

Supporters of income-tax cuts have noted that Oklahoma’s economy has continued to grow following prior tax cuts, which have lowered the state’s income tax from a top rate of 7 percent to 4.75 percent today. That growth has offset the projected “losses” from income-tax cuts and allowed state government spending to continue increasing.

While Oklahoma’s economy appears stronger than most today, Stitt has noted those dynamics are subject to change based on what policymakers in other states do—and what policymakers in Oklahoma do, or don’t do, to keep the state attractive to business investment and job creation.

The governor has noted, repeatedly, that many states are now cutting their income-tax rates and Oklahoma could fall behind.

“If you look at the area around us, Nebraska has just cut taxes and Arkansas and Iowa,” Stitt said. “We have to stay up with our region to be the most business-friendly state.”

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Oklahoma

Where to find July 4th fireworks, festivals, and family fun in Oklahoma

Published

8 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Press Room

Where to find July 4th fireworks, festivals, and family fun in Oklahoma

Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!

Key takeaways

The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.

Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman

This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.

Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City

OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.

Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater

This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.

Date: July 3-4
Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon

Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.

Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore

Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.

Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City

Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.

Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond

Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.

Date: July 4
Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton

Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.

Date: July 4
Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa

Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for June 27, 2026

Published

18 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Press Room

Oklahoma Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for June 27, 2026

The Oklahoma Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at June 27, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from June 27 drawing

03-16-28-30-59, Powerball: 11, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from June 27 drawing

03-08-18-22-39, Star Ball: 06, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 27 drawing

3-6-9

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from June 27 drawing

15-17-20-25-26

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from June 27 drawing

02-26-34-43-45, Powerball: 15

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 27 drawing

26-32-38-51-52, Bonus: 05

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Sign Your Ticket: Please make sure to sign and complete the back of your ticket
You have 180 days from the draw date to claim your prize.
Prizes up to $600: Can be claimed at any Oklahoma Lottery retailer or at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center, located at 300 N. Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Prizes from $601 to $49,999: These can be claimed at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payments can be issued as a check or direct deposit (ACH). Claiming in person requires a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, a valid ID, official proof of Social Security number and a completed claim form.
Prizes of $50,000 or more: These can be claimed in person at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payment options include check or ACH. Bring a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, proof of Social Security number, a completed claim form, and valid ID.

Mail-in Claims: Mail the original signed ticket and a completed claim form to the Oklahoma Lottery, P.O. Box 548810, Oklahoma City, OK 73154. For direct deposit, include a voided check or bank letter with your account details. Non-winning tickets are not accepted, and Oklahoma Lottery assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen mail.

For additional details, refer to the official Oklahoma Lottery claim page.

When are the Oklahoma Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
MEGA Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Pick 3: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
Cash 5: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oklahoma editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Oklahoma

Trump nominates former Oklahoma officer Lance Schroyer to lead ICE

Published

1 day ago

June 27, 2026

Press Room

Trump nominates former Oklahoma officer Lance Schroyer to lead ICE

President Donald Trump announced June 27 he would nominate Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, to serve as director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“The Senate must CONFIRM Lance, IMMEDIATELY — Do not delay,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, calling Schroyer a “patriot” and asserting he would help carry out Trump’s broader immigration push to detain and deport individuals the administration describes as serious criminal offenders.

The move to fill the position comes months after Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE who oversaw immigration enforcement crackdowns linked to killings in Minnesota and Illinois, resigned as acting director at the end of May.

Schroyer has over 29 years in law enforcement in Oklahoma and is a U.S. Marine, Trump said. Most recently, Schroyer’s spearheaded federal-local immigration enforcement partnerships with ICE, including a program that allows state and local agencies to assist federal immigration authorities.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also praised the selection, saying Schroyer’s background positions him to advance the administration’s immigration enforcement goals and called on the Senate to act quickly to confirm him.

Who is Lance Schroyer?

Schroyer currently serves as senior adviser to the Department of Homeland Security, where he helps coordinate immigration enforcement strategy and interagency cooperation among federal, state and local partners, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

He previously served as a major with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, overseeing emergency and special operations units that handled disaster response, civil disturbance planning, abducted child recovery efforts and tactical operations.

ICE leadership vacancy and broader enforcement debate

ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed director since early 2017 and has largely been led by acting officials.

The nomination comes as the agency continues to play a central role in Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda. The Trump administration has expanded detention and deporation efforts as part of the president’s goals to crack down on people entering the country illegally. Immigration rights groups have raised concerns about civil liberties and detention conditions. ICE has faced scrutiny over enforcement actions and deaths in custody, including incidents that have prompted protests and public debate.

ICE’s detention strategies continue to evolve, including adjustments to how custody facilities are planned and utilized. At the same time, immigration enforcement officers are being deployed in more states, pointing to a wider national presence as part of the administration’s enforcement efforts.

Contributing: Reuters

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT

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