Governor Stitt Outlines Priorities in Final Address
- mike33692
- 1 day ago
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Governor Stitt Lays Out Controversial Priorities in Final State of the State
In his final State of the State address, Governor Kevin Stitt outlined a series of policy priorities that are expected to face significant resistance from lawmakers, tribal leaders, and advocacy groups.
Stitt called on the Legislature to cap new state spending at three percent, make changes aimed at reducing Medicaid enrollment, and trim welfare programs, arguing the measures are necessary to maintain fiscal discipline.
Governor Stitt pushes spending caps and program cuts
The governor said limiting spending growth would help ensure long-term budget stability, even as state agencies report funding pressures. His proposal would restrict future budget increases regardless of population growth or inflation.
Stitt also renewed his push to tighten eligibility for Medicaid, which is administered in Oklahoma through SoonerCare and overseen by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Critics warn that changes could result in thousands losing coverage.
Renewed call to challenge tribal sovereignty rulings
Once again, Stitt urged lawmakers to revisit efforts to overturn or limit the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s McGirt decision, which affirmed that large portions of eastern Oklahoma remain Native American reservations.
Legal experts note the ruling remains binding federal law, and previous state efforts to roll it back have faced steep legal hurdles.
Medical marijuana repeal proposal raised
The governor also asked lawmakers to consider placing a measure on the ballot to reverse Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program, a move that would require voter approval. The program was established by voters in 2018 and is regulated by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority.
Lawmakers are expected to debate the proposals as the legislative session continues.
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