Oklahoma Gov. Stitt, reelected and emboldened, will call for tax cuts and school choice

Gov. Kevin Stitt plans to call for more tax cuts, more school choice and fewer business regulations in Monday’s State of the State address, hitting on core Republican policies that may still be a heavy lift this legislative session despite the trifecta his party holds over state government.

Months after winning reelection to a second and final term, Stitt, who first entered office claiming a mandate for change and bold ideas, said he remains committed to questioning the status quo and striving to make Oklahoma a "Top 10” state.

“My job is to set the bold vision and push everyone in the right direction,” Stitt said during an interview inside his Capitol office to discuss Monday's speech.

Stitt will continue his call for an end to the state sales tax on groceries, while also asking lawmakers to cut the state income tax rate.

Republicans have a supermajority in both the state House and Senate, providing the governor with a receptive audience to lower taxes.

But tax policy, whether it’s a cut or an increase, usually brings significant debate.

Oklahoma House speaker: Tax cuts will be a 'focus' next session

Stitt said he's comfortable with skepticism.

“(Sometimes) it’s complicated, it’s messy and it’s hard, and I’m okay with that,” Stitt said. “But you have to have someone cheering (the Legislature) on to say this is where we need to be headed.”

In previous State of the State speeches, Stitt has called for education policies that allow more students the chance to attend private and charter schools.

But the governor seems even more emboldened to think big on education reform after Ryan Walters, his secretary of education, was elected state superintendent last year.

Both Stitt and Walters campaigned on allowing students to use state tax dollars for private school tuition, another policy issue that has drawn fierce debate within the state Legislature.

Behind the 'grassroots' movement: Oklahoma school vouchers championed by Ryan Walters

As in past State of the State speeches, Stitt plans to put a personal face on why school choice is important to him during Monday's address.

Viewers can expect references to how school choice is benefiting specific students, especially those who come from low-income households.

“Why is school choice just for the rich or those who can afford it?” Stitt asked. “I think about all the single moms who were stuck in Tulsa Public Schools while (buildings) were closed for a year (during the pandemic), while their church friends or people across the street were able to go to Broken Arrow or their kids went to private school. That’s just not fair.”

Performance-based teacher pay raises and legalized sports betting could also be referenced Monday, according to the governor.

Monday's address begins at noon inside the House of Representatives chamber and will be broadcast live on OETA.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Governor Stitt will deliver State of the State address on Monday