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Speaker Todd Hiett

He changed Oklahoma, and set forth a new path.

Even after the largest tax cut in state history last year, Speaker Todd Hiett went back to work. He again lowered the income tax rate and eliminated the estate tax. For the second year in a row, Speaker Hiett again passed the largest tax cut in history.

Historic Tax Cuts for Working Oklahoma Families

Speaker Hiett led the effort that resulted in passage of the two largest tax cuts in state history – the first in 2005 and the second in 2006. All totaled, Hiett's proposals resulted in the lowering of the state income tax rate from 6.65 percent to 5.25 percent.

Putting an End to the Death Tax

Speaker Hiett successfully pushed for the elimination of the harmful estate tax – also known as the “death tax.” This lifts a significant burden off the shoulders of working Oklahoma families, many of whom had been prevented from passing on their savings to their heirs because of the tax.

Real Workers' Comp Reform

Speaker Hiett spearheaded the effort resulting in strong, substantive reforms to the state's workers' compensation system. This removed a major roadblock that for years had stood in the way of Oklahoma small business owners, who create the majority of our state's jobs. The reforms are estimated to achieve around $100 million in annual savings for the state's economy.

New Investment in Safe Roads and Bridges – Without Raising Taxes

Speaker Hiett helped lead the successful push for a combined $270 million in new investment to make sure the roads and bridges are properly maintained and safe. And it was done without raising taxes one penny.

Pro-Family and Pro-Life Reforms

Speaker Hiett helped oversee passage of the most significant pro-life reforms in Oklahoma in more than a quarter-century. They included protections for unborn victims of violence, requiring that pregnant women be fully informed of all possible consequences of abortion, and requiring parents' consent before a minor child can have an abortion.

Making Health Care More Efficient and Affordable

Speaker Hiett helped bring comprehensive reforms to the state's Medicaid system. This will make the system more cost-efficient and more effective at helping those in need. He also helped lead a successful effort allowing re-importation of safe prescription drugs to lower costs for our seniors.

Conservative Education Reforms

Speaker Hiett helped launch and pass a series of conservative education reforms, focusing on two major priorities – student achievement and teacher empowerment. Reforms included core curriculum standards, greater incentives for students and teachers to excel, stronger testing requirements, allowing all teachers to participate in teacher programs, and granting all teacher groups access to school facilities.

Fiscally Responsible State Budget

Speaker Hiett led the way to hold lawmakers at the State Capitol accountable, make sure they spent within their means, and cut waste in state government. Speaker Hiett's policies have already resulted in slimmer, more efficient state government and helped clear the way for historic tax cuts.

The Rural Economic Development Initiative

Speaker Hiett introduced REDI, a long-term action plan for rural Oklahoma. The project consisted of two main goals: to spark job creation in rural parts of the state, and to use the legislative process to implement new policies that encourage economic growth and business development in rural areas. Under Speaker Hiett's leadership, the Legislature passed a number of key REDI proposals, including regulatory reform, the Rural Areas & Quality Jobs Act, and making rural housing more affordable.