Budget Briefing: Oklahomans are Buying a Lot of Cars, Which is a Good Sign

This morning’s budget-related news:

Consumer Confidence Drives Oklahoma’s Economy, State’s Finance Director Says “Consumer confidence is strong in Oklahoma as state tax revenues are up almost 15 percent compared with a year ago, the state’s finance director said Tuesday. ‘Consumer spending was one of the biggest factors for the increase,’ state Finance Director Preston Doerflinger said.” (newsok.com)

Wind Energy Tax Break Fails in US Senate “An attempt to extend a federal tax break for wind energy production and other alternative energy sources failed in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, but supporters say they will try again. The tax break will expire at the end of the year without an extension.” (denverpost.com)

Oklahoma Mortgage Settlement Filed “Oklahoma, the only state to opt out of a $25 billion federal settlement, will receive $18.6 million from the nation’s five largest mortgage lenders. In rejecting the federal agreement, Pruitt turned down an estimated $10.2 million that would have gone to Oklahoma victims of unlawful or unfair foreclosure practices.” (newsok.com)