OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Latest on a package of tax hikes including oil and gas production to raise teacher salaries in Oklahoma (all times local):
8:20 p.m.
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin says she "absolutely" plans to sign a package of tax hikes to generate hundreds of millions of new dollars for teacher pay and avert statewide school closures.
Just moments after the Oklahoma Senate passed the bill late Wednesday, she said: "We finally got the job done, and I applaud the bipartisanship of the House and Senate."
The House already passed the plan to increase taxes on cigarettes, fuel, lodging, and oil and gas production. It is designed to generate about $450 million for lawmakers to spend.
Oklahoma teachers, who have not had a raise since 2007, have set a statewide walkout Monday to pressure lawmakers. Oklahoma would be the second state this year where teachers walked out. West Virginia educators won a 5 percent pay hike after going on strike.
7:40 p.m.
A package of tax hikes that include oil and gas production to generate hundreds of millions of new dollars for teacher pay and avert statewide school closures has received final legislative approval and is heading to the Oklahoma governor's desk.
The Senate voted 36-10 Wednesday for bill that also includes taxes on cigarettes, fuel and lodging -- narrowly giving it the three-fourth's majority needed to pass. The House already approved the package, which is designed to generate about $450 million for teacher raises and other spending.
After a furious, last-minute lobbying effort by the hospitality industry, House and Senate leaders agreed to pass a separate measure to remove the proposed $5-per-night lodging fee.
Oklahoma teachers, who have not had a raise since 2007, have set a statewide walkout for Monday to pressure lawmakers.
6:30 p.m.
A package of tax hikes to generate hundreds of millions of new dollars for teacher pay and avert statewide school closures is set to be voted on in the Oklahoma Senate.
The vote late Wednesday would be on a bill to increase taxes on cigarettes, fuel, lodging and oil and gas production. It needs a three-fourth's majority to pass the Republican-controlled body. The House already passed the plan, which is designed to generate about $450 million for lawmakers to spend.
Oklahoma teachers, who have not had a raise since 2007, have set a statewide walkout for Monday to pressure lawmakers. Oklahoma would be the second state this year where teachers walked out. West Virginia educators won a 5 percent pay hike after going on strike.
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