Stitt says Oklahoma 'well positioned' to be top 10 state
Governor Kevin Stitt took to the podium for his fourth and final state of the state address of his first term. (Courtesy: Governor Stitt's Office)
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Governor Kevin Stitt took to the podium for his fourth and final state of the state address of his first term.
The governor is counting 2021 as a win for himself and the state and now with the largest supermajority in state history, his sights are set on finishing the fight over many issues from the last year.
“We made record investments in education and gave parents more choices,” said Stitt. “We grew our economy. We modernized our government, and we stood up to defend the rights of Oklahomans – including protecting the lives of our unborn children”
Many Democrats are singing a different tune as the legislative session begins.
“I think that today I can stand here and say that this was the most divisive State of the State that I have heard in 12 years,” said House Minority Leader Rep. Emily Virgin.
In his address, the governor wasted no time getting to some of the biggest fights he’s had over the past year, first the fight to keep the state open during the pandemic.
To his fight against McGirt, lauding recent wins in the Supreme Court as proof the state should have jurisdiction.
“Oklahoma has been robbed of the authority to prosecute crimes,” said Stitt. “Put simply, McGirt jeopardizes justice. Over the past year, we’ve done everything we can to protect law and order and limit the impacts of this decision.”
But one thing both republicans and democrats seem to agree on is eliminating the state grocery sales tax. Oklahoma is just one of 13 states remaining with a state grocery sales tax.
“Many Oklahomans are already struggling under the weight of record inflation,” said Stitt. “Let’s give them more help this year. Because, after all, we need more taxpayers, not more taxes”
“That is a bipartisan idea we feel and have felt for many years that Oklahomans,” said Virgin. “Working families need that relief.”
Setting the tone not just for this legislative session but his 2022 campaign for re-election.
“We start this year with an incredible opportunity,” said Stitt. “Oklahomans have elected the largest supermajority in state history. We have a very clear mandate to enact strong conservative policies that protect liberty and defend against the Biden administration’s federal overreach!”
The governor's full address can be seen below. The transcript can be read here.
