OKLAHOMA CITY – Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt on Tuesday called for an expansion of the state’s ‘rainy day’ fund, consolidation of several state agencies, and major changes to the state’s merit protection system, during his second State of the State speech.
Stitt, who spoke before a joint session of the Oklahoma Legislature, also detailed his plans for an expanded Medicaid system and a push to quickly certify out-of-state teachers who move to Oklahoma.
“We must also continue to recruit the best teachers and confront our teacher shortage. I support legislation that would direct the State Board of Education to issue a teaching certificate to anyone who holds a valid out-of-state teaching certification, with no other requirements except a criminal history record check,” the governor said.
Stitt’s speech, which lasted about 40 minutes, kicked off the second session of the 57th Oklahoma Legislature.
Stitt also used his speech to call for a $24 million expansion of the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship, a state-funded program that provides scholarships to student in private schools.
Increasing the tax credit cap, the governor said, will provide additional incentives for donors and result in more public-school grants and private-school scholarships.
“Let’s work together to make sure all students at all schools have access to an innovative, enriching curriculum, regardless of ZIP code,” the governor said.
Though Stitt’s speech was generally praised by many members of the Legislature, Democrats in the House of Representatives criticized the governor’s education policies, calling the proposals “another gimmick.”
“The message we would like to convey to the governor is that the best way to fund public schools is to fund public schools,” said state Rep. Emily Virgin, D-Norman. “Stop the gimmicks, Governor.”
With state tribal leaders watching from the gallery, Stitt doubled down on his efforts to force the tribes to renegotiate tribal compacts. For several months the governor has pushed back against the idea that tribal gaming compacts automatically renew. In December, three of the state’s largest tribes – the Choctaw, Chickasaw and Cherokee nations – sued the governor in federal court over the compacts.
Monday, Stitt complained that despite five offers from the state to negotiate, Native American leaders instead chose to go to court. “As governor, I remain supportive of the sovereignty of the State of Oklahoma and our right – and your duty as the Legislature – to oversee all industries operating in the state,” he said.
The governor added that he remained confident that the state and the tribes could “hammer out a compromise that is a win-win for all four million Oklahomans, and we can accomplish this without putting public education in the crosshairs.”
Virgin, the House minority leader, said Democrats were completely offended by the governor’s attempt to minimalize the impact tribal nations have on the state’s economy.
“I would implore the governor to go look at rural communities across the state,” Virgin said. “Tribes are investing in education. They are investing in health care. They are truly keeping communities alive. For him to only recognize one small portion of their (the tribes) impact on this state…is offensive and it’s untrue. I think if there were room to negotiate, the governor may have squandered that.”
Still, while Democrats were critical of many components of the governor’s speech, the Republican leader of the Oklahoma Senate called the governor’s message a positive one.
“I commend Governor Stitt’s positive message and appreciate the vision he laid out of how we advance toward the goal of becoming a top 10 state,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City. “Governor Stitt’s commitment to modernizing state government and cutting red tape is welcomed at the Capitol.”
Treat said Senate Republicans looked forward to partnering with the governor and the House “on ways to make government more customer-focused and responsive to taxpayers.”
House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, said he appreciated Stitt’s goals and the “shared pursuit of maintaining and growing the positive momentum in Oklahoma.”
McCall said the House Republican Caucus liked the bold vision the governor painted in his speech. “Our job now is to dig into the details,” McCall said.
McCall said lawmakers would move quickly when they and the governor agree, but hinted that members of the House probably wouldn’t agree with every proposal made by the Stitt.
“Expect swift action in areas where we come to agreement, and in areas where we differ we will have a civil discourse about what’s best for Oklahoma,” the Speaker said. “I anticipate another highly-productive, meaningful session. The House looks forward to working with Governor Stitt and the Senate to close out the 57th Legislature as strongly as we started it.”
The 2020 legislative session is scheduled to span four months and must adjourn by 5 p.m. Friday, May 29.