Immediate Release
Thursday, October 9, 2003

For additional information contact:
Representative Odilia Dank
(405) 557-7392 (405) 947-5510

State Rep. Odilia Dank (R-Oklahoma City) predicted Thursday a "major tax rebellion" if something isn't done to curtail the 5 percent annual tax increase that is presently being assessed on most property owners in Oklahoma.

"There is a major tax rebellion brewing in our state -- the likes of which this state has not experienced since the passage of State Question 640," Dank told an interim study committee at the state Capitol.

"Senior citizens, working people on fixed incomes, the disabled, and just the average John Q. Public are disgusted with the fact that they are being assessed an additional five percent, per year in property taxes without any justification or cause shown for the increases."

Dank stated that tax relief groups have now formed in the major metropolitan areas and are in the process of expanding statewide. She pointed to senior citizens as the group that is suffering the most under the present system.

"Senior citizens feel totally helpless as their investment incomes continue to decline and their taxes continue to rise. Most of those who are presently having difficulty choosing between food and prescription drugs are now worried about losing their homes," Dank continued.

"Most working families in Oklahoma are no longer receiving pay raises, but they, too, suffer the unjust consequences of higher and higher property taxes each and every year. People don't know where to turn for help."

Dank referred to the present system of property assessments as 'conscription' and predicted that sooner or later the citizens will take the situation into their own hands.

"Quite frankly, this type of tax conscription has got to come to an end," Dank emphasized. "I sense that the natives are getting restless and, sooner or later, that will result in a major tax revolt."

"That's why I am proposing a property tax freeze on all households of our senior citizens, together with a one percent, per year limit on any increase in property taxes, period! I would really prefer that any new taxes imposed on our citizens meet a justification standard that would be put to a vote of the people."

"But, if something isn't done, and done soon, we're liable to see another statewide initiative petition that would call for a vote of the people on all increases of property taxes," Dank states. "And, while the petitioners are at it this time around, they might throw in a provision calling for a vote of the people on all fee and license increases---which have become the new means of taxation in Oklahoma."

Dank pointed to other areas of tax concerns, but listed this as the most in need of immediate attention.

"There are other areas of tax concerns that should be addressed in Oklahoma, but this area seems to be one of the most pressing for those who own their homes and want to continue to be able to afford them.

Taxes on senior citizens' income, capital gains, regular income taxes, are topics for another day."

"Let's first address the issue that concerns the largest majority of our taxpayers," Dank urged the committee.

"Let's take the first step and do something about this excessive and unfair system that places another burden on our citizens each and every year."
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