Gov. Fallin delivers 2017 State of the State Address; calls for cigarette tax increase

Posted on: 2/8/17


On Monday, Gov. Mary Fallin delivered the annual State of the State Address in front of a joint session of the Oklahoma Legislature. In it, Fallin focused on the urgent need to improve the state’s budgeting process to ensure that legislators can adequately fund priority goals related to education, public safety, health and the state’s infrastructure needs.

Gov. Fallin asked legislators to raise the cigarette tax. “To improve the health of our state, I’m also once again asking you to raise our cigarette tax. Smoking remains the number one preventable cause of death in Oklahoma. It costs our state $1.62 billion in health care costs. The revenue raised can be spent on current health care needs,” she said.

OHA applauded the governor’s call for a cigarette tax increase, a key legislative priority of the Association (see www.okoha.com/cigarettetax for more information).

“We applaud the governor for her efforts to improve the health of Oklahomans by raising the cigarette tax and agree that funds raised will strengthen our health care system as well. More than 65 percent of Oklahomans support a cigarette tax increase of $1.50 per pack, and 74 percent of Oklahoma voters support increasing the cigarette tax to fund health care,” said Craig Jones, president, OHA.

To view the full State of the State Address, click here. To view the proposed Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2018, click here. 

Save the dates for OHA 2022 events

Posted on: 2/18/22


It’s a new year and a new lineup of important events for you and your staff. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to engage in advocacy, education and networking all year long. Mark your calendar now!

OHA Advocacy Day - Tuesday, April 5, Oklahoma History Center. Join us for our annual legislative day. We will begin with a member briefing at 3 p.m., followed by a legislative reception at 5 p.m. Watch for registration materials soon.

OHA-PAC Golf Tournament - Tuesday, June 21, Jimmie Austin Golf Club at OU, Norman. Time and details TBA.

OHA Health Care Leaders Forum - Tuesday, July 19 - Thursday, July 21, Shangri-La Resort, Grand Lake. Watch for registration soon!

OHA Connect 22 - Wednesday, Nov. 9 - Friday, Nov. 11, Oklahoma City Convention Center and Omni Hotel, downtown Oklahoma City. Plan now to attend OHA’s annual conference and exhibit hall. More details to come.

Details on these events and other upcoming education opportunities will be available on the OHA website.