Why are sales taxes so high in Oklahoma (8.375% in OKC), and who do we have to thank for them?

Question

I am accustomed to tax rates between 6% and 7.25% in other states. What's the deal with charging such high taxes in Oklahoma, which is considered a poor state by the way.

Answer 1

Some states compensate lower taxes in some facets with higher taxes in others.

For instance, without looking at Oklahomas taxes, maybe your state has low or no property taxes? Maybe your states gas taxes are low? Maybe the income taxes are low or non existent? Maybe you have favorable corporate taxes the state is covering for with a sales tax?