New Oklahoma Law Earmarks Fees for Treatment June 6, 2003
Communities in Action This week, Gov. Brad Henry of Oklahoma signed a law increasing license fees for beer retailers, the Norman Transcript reported on June 5. The measure will raise nearly $1 million when fully implemented, and is earmarked for treatment of substance use disorders. "I think it's a major deal that we've established this fund to expand the availability of substance-abuse treatment, especially given a year when so many services and programs affiliated with government have seen reductions," said Rep. Thad Balkman, the bill's sponsor.
Fees will increase from $30 for a three-year license to $130 until 2006, after which the fee will increase to $230. Balkman said the fee was established in 1939 and had not been increased since. He also said he faced fierce opposition to the increase.
"There was a lot of resistance, not just within my caucus as far as some of those who are really opposed to fee or tax hikes, but also the retailers -- the restaurants and the convenience stores," Balkman said. "The way I was able to get some votes from some of my friends in the House was to distinguish that it was a user fee. And I think trying to prevent drug abuse and substance abuse is really not a partisan issue."
"I think it's an insignificant amount of money for most operators," said Joe Sparks, owner of a restaurant in Norman, "and I'm not opposed to it, given its purpose."
The measure takes effect July 1.
