There's trouble in paradise, as they say. Gov. Stitt's latest education move has, to put it mildly, upset longtime ally State Superintendent Ryan Walters. Walters' typical, hyperbolic reaction is included underneath.

Governor Stitt Shakes Up Oklahoma State Board of Education

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 11, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt named three new members to the Oklahoma State Board of Education (OSBE). The move comes after ongoing controversy at the Oklahoma State Department of Education and disappointing scores on the annual National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 10th) – The House Education Oversight Committee today passed legislation that prohibits the use of cell phones by students during the school day.

The legislation is the first bill to be heard and considered in the House's new two-tiered committee structure and is expected to be heard on the floor later this week.

REINing in the government Goliath

Oklahoma state government’s reach may seem insignificant compared to the gargantuan size of the federal government, but Oklahoma government still has tendrils reaching all segments of our economy.

That’s why it is important for Oklahoma lawmakers to restrain government regulation at the state level even as President Trump does the same thing at the federal level.

Owasso, OK (Feb. 3rd) - Republican Dr. Kevin Norwood filed his candidacy papers to serve Oklahomans living in House District 74, a region which includes Tulsa County, portions of Rogers County and the entire City of Owasso. The Republican special primary election will take place on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. 

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 7th) – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has introduced legislation to transfer the management and operation of Hugo Lake Park to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Senate Bill 121 proposes transferring all properties currently held for Hugo Lake Park to the department by January 1, 2026.

The bill aims to designate Hugo Lake as an official state park, improving oversight, enhancing amenities, and streamlining management responsibilities to provide a better visitor experience.

Politics is a lot about riding trends, and the current trend in Republican circles is to cut government size, spending, and staffing. 

Wait, haven't they all touted that for decades? Funny how so many seem to have forgotten about that until Donald Trump and Elon Musk crashed into DC this year. Anyway, better late than never, I suppose.

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 3, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt issued Executive Order 2025-04, creating the Division of Government Efficiency (DOGE-OK) within the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES). The new division will build upon past efficiency initiatives and focus on eliminating wasteful government spending, improving efficiency, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used effectively across state government.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Feb. 3rd) - Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) released its 2025 "Prosperity Across the Prairie" legislative agenda today at the start of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature. Many of AFP-OK's priorities align with Governor Kevin Stitt's as stated in today's State of the State Address. 

This year, AFP-OK will work closely with the governor and the state legislature to remove barriers to success and promote policies that will help all Oklahomans to thrive and chase their American Dream, starting with eliminating the state income tax.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, remains unwavering in his commitment to ensuring Oklahoma's special education resources serve the students who need them. After hearing from parents, speech therapists, and education advocates, Deevers has pulled SB1017 while requesting an audit to ensure that school-based services are serving kids with disabilities efficiently and effectively. He also released the following statement.

“Over the past several days, I have given extensive thought to SB1017 and engaged in discussions with countless loving and amazing teachers, therapists, parents, and concerned citizens. One thing remains clear: these students’ essential educational services must be protected. I have also heard, unequivocally, from parents who do not want to lose oversight of their children’s medical decisions as well as therapists and teachers who see the problems in the system that this bill was trying to address.