Gov. Stitt Discusses Tax Cuts, Mental Health Funding, Floats Idea of Disolving Forestry Service: Key Moments From Wedneday

Governor Kevin Stitt addressed the media at his weekly press briefing on Wednesday, discussing key issues including tax cuts, government spending, and recent policy decisions. He defended his push for tax reductions, arguing they stimulate economic growth while maintaining a strong state budget.

Stitt also responded to concerns over mental health funding, state agency accountability, and government salaries, emphasizing the need for financial oversight.

Additionally, he addressed the recent firing of the state forester, advocating for improved wildfire response strategies.

On education, Stitt reaffirmed his stance on school choice and religious freedom, defending his executive order against criticism. Here’s a breakdown of the key points from the press conference:

3:14 PM – Tax Cuts & Budget Overview

1. Stitt opened by emphasizing the importance of passing a tax cut this year.
2. Gov. Stitt said that Oklahoma’s total spending authority is $12.36 billion, with state income at $11.24 billion and expenses at $11.17 billion—assuring viewers that the state is not running a deficit.
3. When Gov. Stitt took office, he said that the state had no savings; now, Stitt says that Oklahoma has $4.6 billion in savings, projected to grow to $5.05 billion by July 2025.
4. He argues that tax cuts allow citizens to keep more of their money, rather than growing government.

3:17 PM – Economic Impact of Tax Cuts

1. Stitt claims previous tax cuts have led to increased revenue as citizens and businesses reinvest money into the economy.
2. Stitt says that Oklahoma’s income tax was once 7%, but has been reduced over time while state revenue has grown.
3. He warns that if Oklahoma doesn’t cut taxes, it will be left behind by states like Texas and Mississippi, which have eliminated or are moving toward zero income tax.

3:21 PM – Mental Health & Government Spending

1. Addressed concerns about the Oklahoma mental health commissioner’s credentials, stating he was unaware of the issue but supports her leadership.
2. Stitt criticized high executive salaries in nonprofit mental health organizations, saying accountability in government spending leads to resistance and media backlash.
3. Pushed back on claims that cutting federal mental health grants would send funds to other states, comparing it to education bureaucracy that existed before modern state departments.

3:25 PM – Accountability in State Agencies

1. Stitt denies that flat budgets are causing issues in state agencies. Instead, he argues the real issue is a lack of accountability in how funds are spent.
2. He believes agencies resist oversight because they want to protect high salaries and avoid scrutiny over spending outcomes.
3. As governor, he says he will continue pushing for financial accountability and question whether Oklahoma can afford to keep borrowing money to fund these programs.

3:35 PM – Education & Government Salaries

1. Addressed bonuses approved by State Superintendent Ryan Walters but said he was unaware of the specifics.
2. Defended Steven Harpe’s high salary, saying he manages a multi-million-dollar budget and hundreds of employees in the Department of Corrections—arguing that business expertise is needed to run state agencies.

3:38 PM – Wildfire Response & Forestry Department

1. Clarified that he does not blame the state forester for the fires, but criticized the lack of resources deployed during and after the disaster.
2. Expressed frustration that emergency response assets were not properly accounted for, leading to delays in aid.
3. Suggested eliminating the Department of Forestry and reallocating funds to local fire departments instead.
4. Announced plans to form a task force to improve wildfire response.

Related: Gov. Stitt proposes 'getting rid' of Forestry Department

3:41 PM – Religious Freedom & Education Policy

1. Defended his executive order on religious freedom in schools, stating it aligns with Supreme Court rulings.
2. Argues that religious organizations should not be excluded from state-funded grant programs.
3. Stressed that school choice does not force students to attend religious schools but gives them the option.
4. Criticized Attorney General Gentner Drummond for referring to "radical Islam" in discussions about the order.
5. Compared school choice to Medicaid, stating that public funds already go to private hospitals, so education funding should work similarly.

3:46 PM – Press Conference Ends