About one in nine state legislators repeatedly missed tax deadlines, an investigation by The Oklahoman found
They paid property taxes late and failed to file income tax returns on time or both.
The next tax deadline looms. Income tax returns are due Tuesday.
The Legislature was thrown into upheaval this year when Rep. Lance Cargill stepped down as House speaker because of a public outcry over his tax problems. That same week, Rep. Gus Blackwell dropped out of the race to take over as speaker because of late property taxes.
The Oklahoman checked all 149 legislators' taxes because of the public concern. “What a bunch of baloney. ... Our elected officials need to set a better example,” one person wrote.
What the check found
Fifteen legislators repeatedly were late in paying their property taxes, which mostly go to fund schools. Others missed property tax deadlines just once in recent years. Some paid hundreds of dollars in late fees.
A few legislators fell more than a year behind on property taxes. One was Rep. Randy McDaniel, who has a second job as a financial adviser. “I take full responsibility. This is a sad day for me,” McDaniel said. “At some point you've got to say, these are human beings. This is one of many things you're trying to make sure you are 100 percent perfect on.”
Legislators often blamed themselves for their tax troubles. Other excuses: bank errors, employee mistakes, divorce and never-received tax bills. “I knew it wasn't going to break the United States or Oklahoma. I didn't get all torqued about it,” said Rep. Jerry McPeak of his late taxes.
The late bills included taxes on homes, rental houses and businesses.
Five legislators who had overdue income tax returns have caught up. “There really is no excuse. ... I can tell you this. It won't ever happen again,” Rep. Jabar Shumate said.
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