Gov. Kevin Stitt addresses mental health services, layoffs, newly-filed OSDE agenda bill and more during weekly briefing

Governor Kevin Stitt took podium for his weekly press briefing, addressing pressing issues that are facing the state.

3:16 PM – Substance and mental health services

1. Financial issues found within mental health agencies
2. Still gathering facts; sent state auditor to reveal funding issues
3. Reveals desire to put fresh sets of eyes on boards and agencies.

3:18 PM – Addressing Rumors

1. Acknowledges rumors of 600 layoffs at Tinker Air Force Base.
2. States that the situation will be addressed if it happens but emphasizes that it’s just speculation for now.
3. Dismisses rumors about the federal building being sold, saying they’ll deal with it if necessary.

RELATED: Oklahoma City Federal Building faces uncertain future

RELATED: Local union rep for civilian Tinker Air Force Base employees responds to potential layoff concerns

3:20 PM – Federal Building & Board Agenda Bill

1. Discusses the bill from the Senate President Pro Tem:
2. "If one person is preventing the board from discussing an agenda, then it’s not truly operating as a board."

RELATED: House Bill 1491, backed by Gov. Kevin Stitt, proposes new rules for Oklahoma State Board of Education

3:21 PM – Tort Reform Discussion

1. Notes that both the House and Senate have introduced bills on tort reform.
2. Calls it a delicate legal issue that needs proper consideration in court.
3. Highlights the need for certainty in the system and suggests examining successful models in nearby states, such as Texas, where malpractice insurance is cheaper.

3:22 PM – Transparency & Government Spending

1. Emphasizes the importance of transparency in how taxpayer dollars are spent.
2. Criticizes long-term bureaucratic inefficiencies in agencies and government.
3. Acknowledges the auditor’s efforts but notes that uncovering financial mismanagement takes time.
4. Advocates for a half-point tax cut, asserting that the state can afford it.

3:26 PM – Religious Freedom & School Choice

1. Addresses concerns about Bibles in the budget:
2. Says it's not a public safety issue and dismisses the idea of deporting children from schools.
3. Supports school choice, arguing that the government shouldn’t prevent parents from imparting their values to their children.
4. Defends religious freedom in America and touts the success of the Bible App, which has over a billion downloads.

RELATED: State Education Department Seeks Bids For 55,000 Classroom Bibles

3:29 PM – Death Penalty Stance

1. Affirms that Oklahoma has established a clear process for carrying out the death penalty.
2. Stresses that it is reserved for the worst offenders and that if a jury recommends it, the state will uphold the law.
3. Reiterates his commitment to following the law as governor and executing the death penalty when determined to be applicable.

RELATED: Death penalty opponents react to Supreme Court decision in Glossip case

3:30 PM – Superintendent & Political Maneuvering

1. Comments on political strategies during election cycles:
2. Notes that when officials run for higher office (such as Attorney General), they seek media attention.
3. Highlights his actions on border security, including sending troops and launching Operation Guardian.
4. Acknowledges Superintendent Ryan Walters’ push to put certain students on deportation lists but clarifies that the decision ultimately rests with the Attorney General, who is also a political rival.

RELATED: Ryan Walters seeks guidance from Attorney General regarding compliance with Feb. 19 executive order

RELATED: Walters Announces 500+ Bibles Are On The Way To AP Government Classrooms