This article is about the food tax in Oklahoma, one of the few states where this measure exists. Only six US states retain this tax, which has become less and less popular over time. Although this 4.5% tax is being reduced for the poorer segments of the population, this measure seems to restrict civil liberties. Nyk Daniels (2022) points out that this is currently an administrative concern and is gathering information before the bill goes into effect. Despite the brevity of this article, it clearly demonstrates not only current social problems but also the conflict between the Democratic and Republican parties. Two different bills proposed by them for adoption differ only in one principle, as Bill 3621 proposes that Oklahoma residents be heard first (Daniels, 2022). While this article provides basic information, it does not go into details that could really clarify the situation. Questions remain about why the economic situation requires food tax to be canceled and how it will affect the life of the state.
One should refer to other articles on the subject to answer these questions. The development of this story and attempts to overcome the current problem can be seen through a later article on the same resource where the source material was published. Andy Weber (2022) details the development of this attempt to amend the law. The bills filed have not gone unnoticed and the state is indeed eliminating the food tax. What is important in the article is the fact that the state implements this ban for only two years. This confirms the caution of the authorities, which seems reasonable as it is necessary to observe how the measure will affect the state’s economy. An alternative point of view is also offered, which discusses the possibility of reducing the tax on food gradually until it disappears altogether (Weber, 2022). The socioeconomic need to introduce a ban on this tax is also discussed – this decision has been associated with large inflation in recent years (Weber, 2022). The Oklahoma House Committee recognizes that withholding a food tax during a crisis is simply cruel (Weber, 2022). It seems inhumane to pay extra for basic products when people are in a state of financial uncertainty.
In order to get a better idea of the state’s food situation, one should turn to other sources. In the news about the passage of the food tax ban bill, there is a brief interview with one of the residents of the state. This perspective is especially valuable because it gives an independent opinion at a citizen’s level and not an administrative person’s. The Oklahoma resident says prices in the state are skyrocketing (Moss, 2022). The most mundane foodstuffs like eggs and bread are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain.
Finally, it should be noted that there are certain prospects for the impact of these bills on the lives of the inhabitants of the state. Fox23’s coverage gives some details about the bills. In particular, it is mentioned that they can harm restaurants due to the retention of taxes on hot and processed food (Maranon, 2022). People may be motivated to buy ready-made food in tax-free supermarkets and avoid restaurants. Thus, the damage is done to the city’s economic infrastructure. However, in the context of rising prices and a really high level of poverty, this does not negate the usefulness of this bill, even if its benefits for low-income residents are insignificant. A study of articles on the topic shows that many people in Oklahoma are forced to live from paycheck to paycheck, indicating the state’s economic crisis. Thus, the introduction of the bill will naturally take some of the burdens off the people of the state, but in many cases, the economy will still leave many people on the brink of poverty.
Works Cited
Daniels, Nyk. “Oklahoma lawmakers on both sides of the aisle push for the removal of sales tax on groceries.” KOSU, 2022.
Maranon, Rick. “Oklahoma grocery tax could still remain for some items.” Fox23 News, 2022.
Moss, Ashley. “Grocery tax relief legislation advances at Oklahoma State Capitol.” Oklahoma’s News 4, 2022.
Weber, Andy. “Oklahoma House committee unanimously passes grocery tax bill.” KOCO News 5, 2022.