Oklahoma Republicans are considering a tax credit modeled on programs in Texas and Florida that would steer business donations toward nonprofits focused on parenting, family support and fatherhood — and lawmakers are gathering at the state Capitol on Monday to talk through how it might work. The proposal would mirror a structure already in place in two other red states, where businesses get dollar-for-dollar tax waivers for donating to approved charities.
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton and former NFL coach Tony Dungy are expected to testify before Oklahoma lawmakers about how similar credits have played out in their states. Paxton is expected to present Texas’ Strong Families Tax Credit, which the Star-Telegram reports was modeled on Florida’s program, while Dungy co-founded All Pro Dad, a Florida nonprofit that mentors men and provides relationship tools meant to strengthen family connections, per the same report.
What Oklahoma Lawmakers Are Weighing
The interim study is scheduled for Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the Oklahoma Capitol in Oklahoma City, according to the Star-Telegram’s reporting. Sen. John Haste, who represents Broken Arrow, is organizing the hearing alongside Rep. Nicole Miller, who represents Edmond, the outlet reports. An Oklahoma Senate press release describes Haste hosting a joint interim study on a proposed Strong Families Tax Credit on Oct. 12 in Room 535 of the Capitol, while a separate Senate interim-study listing names the same Oct. 12 hearing as examining a Children’s Promise Tax Credit, with Haste and Miller listed as requestors before the Revenue and Taxation Committee — leaving the proposal’s working title unsettled ahead of the hearing.
Haste said the study will help lawmakers consider a way to encourage private support for family-strengthening services, according to the Star-Telegram. Miller said a tax incentive could support families, create paths to permanent homes for children and potentially reduce demands on state systems, the outlet reports, and she added that the study will let lawmakers examine support for community-based programs that help parents build stronger relationships with their children.
How Texas and Florida Run Their Versions
Texas and Florida both bar charities that provide abortions or fund or cover abortion procedures from benefiting, the Star-Telegram reports. In Texas, nonprofits must also be recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations authorized to operate in the state and must have provided qualifying services there for at least three years, according to the OneStar Foundation, which administers certification for the program. OneStar’s program description also states that participating nonprofits may not directly or indirectly provide abortion services or offer information related to abortion services…