OEA President calls for repeal of capital gains tax

Alicia Priest, center, introduces various people who shared remarks when Oklahoma Education Association presented its own funding proposal at a Friday morning news conference in Oklahoma City ahead of a called April 2 teachers strike, if lawmakers fail to act on their demands. Priest is president of the Oklahoma Education Association. Event was held on Friday, March 23, 2018. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

The head of Oklahoma’s largest teachers’ union says if lawmakers want to end a teacher walkout, they must pass a repeal of the capital gains tax that is expected to generate about $120 million.

Oklahoma Education Association President Alicia Priest told teachers rallying at the Capitol Friday that Fallin’s signature on the bill would bring an end to a teacher walkout that has stretched for five days.

The Senate already passed the bill to end the capital gains deduction for corporations and individuals, but Republican House leaders have so far been unwilling to bring the bill to the floor for a vote.

The House already adjourned Friday, and House Speaker Charles McCall didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Monday is the earliest the bill could be considered.