Basic Fairness

Two years ago in The Oklahoman, my friend David Dunn and I made the argument that politicians should enact policies which make it easier for parents to spend more time raising their own children at home. We suggested, for example, that state legislators should provide a tax credit for stay-at-home moms.

House Speaker Todd Hiett promoted the idea last year, though it never became law. But I am pleased to see that the new Speaker, Lance Cargill, is pushing the idea this year. "I’m a firm believer in parents being able to stay home with their children," Speaker Cargill says. "It’s something we should be encouraging in Oklahoma, not discouraging through unfair tax policies. Stay-at-home moms should not be excluded from being able to get tax credits similar to parents who put their children in daycare. This is an issue of basic fairness."

Amen and amen.

Call or e-mail the Speaker to thank him for introducing this legislation and to voice your support.