Governor Stitt delivers 2024 State of the State address

Governor Stitt Delivers 2024 State of the State Address

(Monday, February 05, 2024) Today, Governor Kevin Stitt delivered his State of the State address to Oklahoma’s 59th Legislature. Governor Stitt outlined his priorities for the 2024 regular legislative session, focusing on making Oklahoma the most business friendly state in the nation, limiting the growth of government by cutting taxes, expanding education freedom, and reinforcing public safety. 

State House interim study examines restructuring criminal justice system

Humphrey Examines Restructuring Criminal Justice System

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, today held an interim study to detail his ideas on restructuring the state's entire criminal justice system.

IS23-025 was heard by the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee, which Humphrey chairs.

"We believe the criminal justice system in Oklahoma is broken and that what we are doing as legislators is simply putting Band-aids on the system," Humphrey said. "This isn't going to work. We need a new system, one that actually changes criminal behavior and reduces our prison population while keeping our people safe."

Stitt launches MODERN Justice Task Force to begin in-depth analysis of state justice system

GOVERNOR STITT CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF MODERN JUSTICE TASK FORCE, BEGINS IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF OKLAHOMA'S JUSTICE SYSTEM

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 11, 2023) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt announced the launch of the MODERN (Modernized Operations through Data and Evidenced-based Restoration Now) Justice Task Force to conduct a first-of-its-kind intensive review of Oklahoma’s justice system by identifying evidence-based strategies to reduce crime and recidivism, enhance public safety, and increase opportunities for all Oklahomans.

“Today, we’re taking concrete steps towards a safer, smarter, and more efficient justice system in Oklahoma,” said Governor Stitt. “With all three branches of government working together, we’re demonstrating to all four million Oklahomans the state’s commitment to strengthening public safety while ensuring our justice system works fairly and efficiently.”

Small: Justice reform opponents prove disingenuousness

Justice reform opponents prove disingenuousness

By Jonathan Small

The issue of criminal-justice reform in Oklahoma has been debated for years, and state voters have increasingly warmed to the idea that we can reduce incarceration and associated prison costs, improve public safety, and lower our crime rates, all at the same time.

That reality is reflected in voter approval of a ballot initiative that reduced the penalties for some property and drug crimes. It can also be seen in the fact that that the Legislature passed an associated law applying those changes to individuals currently in prison, which resulted in the nation’s largest single-day community under Gov. Kevin Stitt.

That public support has been problematic for Stitt’s political opponents, however, which may be why some have resorted to extreme—and even laughable—tactics in their attack ads.

House Democrats announce 2022 legislative priorities

Democrats Announce 2022 Legislative Priorities

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The House Democratic Caucus on Wednesday presented their legislative priorities for the 2022 Legislative Session.

The Democratic Caucus highlighted policy initiatives in five primary areas: transparency and accountability, health care, criminal justice, education, and the state economy.

House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, spoke to the intent of Democratic policies and reiterated the caucus’ recent success to elevate ideas focused on Oklahomans. Virgin named the EITC, protecting education funding, and eliminating the state grocery tax as examples. 

“Our goal for the 2022 Session is to provide and support compassionate, common-sense ideas focused on the needs of Oklahomans,” Virgin said. “What you won't find in our priorities are tax credits or cuts to large corporations, legislation that restricts voting rights, or attacks on tribal sovereignty.”

The Democratic Caucus recognized the current lack of transparency in the Capitol and highlighted the caucus’ desire to require the House of Representatives to follow the Open Meetings Act. 

State Sen. Weaver, State Rep. Roe: SQ805 would endanger Oklahoma healthcare workers

The following press release is from Oklahomans United Against 805:

Safety of Oklahoma Healthcare Workers Threatened by SQ 805 

Oklahoma hospitals report between 5 to 10 assaults on workers every day

 
Oklahoma City — SQ 805, the effort to reduce incarceration by lessening penalties on habitual offenders, has come under fire from those who have worked to protect Oklahoma’s front-line health care workers. 

“It is unconscionable, especially during this time of Covid, that any group would seek to lessen punishment for those who attack our healthcare workers,” stated Darrell Weaver, the state senator who authored SB 1290 to increase the range of punishment for those assaulting medical professionals in the line of duty.  

SQ 805 would restrict the ability of judges and juries to extend harsher penalties on habitual criminals, such as those who attack health care workers.  SQ 805 uses Title 57, Section 571 as it existed on January 1, 2020, to define the difference between violent and non-violent felonies.  Assault on a medical professional is not on that list.  

“We have worked for years to extend the protections to our nurses,” Weaver continued.  “SQ 805 is a substantial step backwards.  It will prohibit the use of prior felony convictions to extend the punishment of those attacking the very folks we depend on.  SQ 805 will forever enshrine in our constitution that such attacks are quote, non-violent, un-quote,” Weaver added.  

No on 805 campaign releases hard-hitting new ad

 

NEW TV AD: Oklahomans United against 805 Release New TV Spot Highlighting a Serial Domestic Violence Offender Who Would Be Released if 805 Passes

 
Oklahoma City — Oklahomans United against 805 launched a new TV ad today, and top District Attorneys have a warning today for their fellow Oklahomans: If State Question 805 passes, hardened criminals like the perpetrator featured in the new TV spot will be let out of jail to re-offend.
 
In their remarks at a press conference today, Oklahoma’s District Attorneys debunked S.Q. 805’s central theme that “non-violent” offenders were nearly “first-time”’ offenders.
 
Nothing could be further from the truth.
 
Through their new TV ad, Oklahomans United against 805 have identified yet another repeat offender who would benefit greatly from the leniency provided to career criminals if S.Q. 805 is passed.
 
The new features Randall A. Cornelius, a repeat offender who has been arrested 25 times and who is listed as a suspect in at least 36 police reports. His list of offenses is long: kidnapping; strangulation; robbery of a disabled senior citizen; DUI (twice); drug possession and distribution (8 times); domestic violence; felon in possession of firearms; stolen vehicle; destruction of property; and more.
 
However, perhaps his worst offense is the reported stabbing spree he went on against a girlfriend. KOCO 5 TV reported at the time that Cornelius, who has a “long, violent criminal history,” went on to commit a “brutal and bloody attack on his girlfriend” in front of a convenience store. Even after she ran for help into the store and sought to take cover behind the cashier stand, Cornelius continued stabbing her. The Midwest City police chief stated that if an officer hadn’t been nearby to help within seconds, the event would have been a homicide.  Cornelius was arrested for the attack, in what was his 36th police investigation since 1998.
 
The repeat offender is now serving time in prison in Holdenville, but— under S.Q. 805, his sentence would be lessened due to the sentence enhancements for his prior crimes. If 805 passes, Cornelius would be back out into the community to surely commit further crimes.
 
Simply put, Cornelius’s 25 prior arrests would be hidden if S.Q. 805 passes.
 
“If we respect women and we respect victim’s rights, we must vote no on 805,” said Kim Garrett, founder and CEO of Palomar domestic violence center. “If State Question 805 passes, it would let perpetrators like Cornelius back into the community to commit further crimes, and perhaps even return to kill his prior victim. In a civil society, we must protect women from repeat offenders such as this.”
 
Further details of his stabbing spree: KOCO 5: “Police: Man Arrested in Midwest City Stabbing Has Long Violent Criminal History and OKC FOX: Police: Woman Stabbed Multiple Times outside Oklahoma City OnCue.
 
PLUS: In addition to speaking about the new ad featuring a repeat violent offender, District Attorneys today answered Q&A specifically about the fact that if S.Q. 805 passes, it will:

1. Be retroactive — therefore, breaking promises to many Domestic Violence victims and their children;
2. Change the Oklahoma Constitution — thus, harder to change in the future;
3. Redefine FOREVER what is classified as “non-violent,” tragically including:
   a.    Domestic Violence
   b.    Crimes against Children
   c.     Home Burglaries
   d.    Arson — even with bodily injuries
   e.    DUI

View the new TV ad below:

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State House Judiciary Committee holds interim study on Restorative Justice programs

Tammy West Studies Restorative Justice

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 20th) – State Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, the chair of the Majority Caucus in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, today held an interim study examining the issue of restorative justice as an alternative to traditional criminal justice models for non-violent offenders.

The study was held before the House Judiciary Committee.

“I wanted to take a closer look at restorative justice programs and how they are working in other states and how they might be a viable alternative here in Oklahoma as part of our overall reform of the criminal justice system,” West said.

Jason Hicks, a prosecutor with Oklahoma’s Sixth Prosecutorial District, explained how he got interested in restorative justice as an alternative form of justice in Oklahoma.

Hicks said there are too many people inside our prisons on low-level, non-violent charges. Restorative justice keeps people safe but deals with these offenders in a different way. What caught his attention was the program was victim-centered. He said it is so important for victims to have a voice in anything that is done. Another plus was the low recidivism rates for offenders who went through the program. It also is community-driven, which is something missing from traditional criminal justice programs.

He said the program restores the victim and the community while educating the offender.

Jeff Reisig, the district attorney for Yolo County, CA, and Nicole Kirklady, director of Neighborhood Court in Yolo County, spoke about the success of their program.

Reisig said he’s a traditional DA serving a mix of rural and urban cities, much like most of Oklahoma. He said his mission is to seek justice and do justice, but he found that often in the traditional court system it worked too much like a turnstile, giving victims very little say in the punishment of their offender. This program is completely voluntary for both the offender and the victim, and it gives victims a say in a punishment they feel is appropriate. He said victims are compensated for their crimes and they work to make sure the victim is made whole. It also gives community volunteers an opportunity to have input into the process. It’s also important to note, Reisig said, that the offender by the end of the program is restored to the community where they can become an active participant again, which he said adds to the success of the program.

He said this has reduced incarceration and recidivism rates in his county. He said another important component is that this is DA-driven and not something forced upon the DAs. He also said his department has been able to make this work on a shoestring budget.

Reisig explained the program does not take sex offenders, DUI offenders or perpetrators of certain other crimes. He did say, however, that many of the people that formerly were on the other side of the picket line from prosecutors, the police and the courts have now become their best community partners.

Carrie Slaton-Hodges, commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuses Services, said this type of program could help Oklahoma in several ways. It would give offenders an opportunity to take responsibility for their actions and to listen to the side of victims and the community about how their crime impacted them, which is incredibly important in changing behavior. She said this also could help stop offenders earlier in their trajectory before crimes move from misdemeanors to felonies. In addition, it gives communities the opportunity to see where changes might be needed to help stop some offenses. For instance, were crimes committed because of a lack of access to food, transportation or other services?  

Jari Askins, director of the Oklahoma Administrative Office of the Courts, and Phil Johnson with the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program, explained how the ADR program currently works in Oklahoma and how that program might be used to support a restorative justice model here in the state.

Kathryn Brewer with the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council spoke about potential legislation that could help create a restorative justice program in Oklahoma. She said there are easy statutory fixes that could make a pilot program available as soon as next Nov. 1 as long as funding can be identified. She said the program would be a win-win for everyone.

Tammy West serves District 84 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes part of Oklahoma County.

Governor Stitt: vote for safety by voting No on SQ 805

Governor Kevin Stitt sent the following statement to supporters yesterday, urging them to vote against State Question 805.

As an Oklahoman, you’ve probably heard a lot about State Question 805. I’m urging you to vote no on SQ 805.

As you know, since the beginning of my campaign for Governor, I have been an advocate for smart criminal justice reform, one that gives non-violent offenders a true opportunity at a second chance and reform that modernizes our criminal code.

Friends, SQ 805 is not criminal justice reform. It is a veiled effort by big out-of-state donors to change our State Constitution and handcuff Oklahomans’ ability to overhaul the criminal code.

Proponents of this bill are floating false narratives around the state about Oklahoma crime and incarceration. Here are some of the real facts:

70+ Sheriffs oppose SQ 805, urge citizens to vote 'No'

Photo posted to Twitter by Angelica Brown of OKC FOX 25.
OSA press release says over 70 sheriffs are represented by this view.

Oklahoma Sheriffs and the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association urge
citizens to vote “NO” on SQ #805

As sworn defenders of the public, Sheriffs across Oklahoma understand the importance of defeating State Question 805. If passed, SQ805 will create a culture that crime is okay in Oklahoma by reducing penalties for career criminals.  With SQ805, habitual offenders of serious crimes will spend less time in prison, and put them back on the streets where they can continue committing crimes like home burglaries, child trafficking, soliciting sex from minors using technology, animal cruelty and domestic violence; just to name a few.

While proponents of 805 claim it only applies to non-violent offences, many horrible crimes against people and animals are classified as non-violent, creating a pass for the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, because each crime has the same sentence range as a first time offense.

Proponents FALSELY claim SQ805 will only address repeat felons who commit drug, property or non-violent crimes.  However many of the repeat career criminals who will benefit commit destructive crimes that harm families, businesses, and communities all across Oklahoma. 

OCPA leaders announce support for State Question 805

Conservative leaders support SQ 805

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 6, 2020) -- Jonathan Small, President of Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs; Trent England, David and Ann Brown Distinguished Fellow at Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, and Ryan Haynie, Criminal Justice Reform Fellow for Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, issued the following statement today in support of State Question 805: 

One of America’s most popular conservative pundits is known for his catchphrase, “Facts don’t care about your feelings.” While people may feel differently about the policy of SQ 805, here are the facts.

Oklahoma has one of the highest incarceration rates in the country. We have the highest incarceration rate for women. Yet Oklahoma crime rates are not so extreme--neither in the very worst nor the very best among the states.

Oklahoma puts people in prison for much longer sentences than the national average. This includes sentences that are 70% longer for property crimes and 79% longer for drug crimes. Sentencing enhancements, which SQ 805 will curtail for nonviolent offenders, increase sentence lengths by 36% based on a study conducted by OCPA.

Group calls pro-SQ805 ads "disengenuous", says ads hide criminals' long rap sheets

“DISINGENUOUS:” Proponents of State Question 805 Are Hiding “Long Rap Sheets” of the Criminals in Their Ad

Criminals featured in Ad actually have much longer criminal records than suggested — perpetrators have been charged with serial theft, stolen vehicle, weapons charge, obstructing an officer, drug possession, assault and battery, and more.

“These are far from first-time offenders,” says former Governor Frank Keating

Oklahoma City (No 805, October 1, 2020) — Proponents of State Question 805 launched their Ad just a few days ago, suggesting that the criminals featured in it just needed a little more leniency for their offenses.

However, a FACT CHECK now reveals that the individuals featured in the ad actually have a long trail of crimes behind them that tells quite a different story.

Mary:
9 felonies total

A criminal character who is portrayed in their initial ad is a person whom proponents say is an older woman arrested for just “writing a few bad checks.” But in fact, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections database proves that where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

The character in the ad appears to be based on Mary L. Phillips, who didn’t just “write a few bad checks” — rather, she has at least 14 counts of bogus check-writing, forgery, possession of a controlled substance (drugs), larceny, and more. She has 9 felonies:

“Bruce”

7 felonies total

The 805 ad also highlights a veteran named “Bruce” — whom the proponents of S.Q. 805 portray as a guy who after leaving the military was just a little down on his luck. However, Bruce was given many chances even after committing theft, possession of drugs, and stealing a vehicle, He was given every opportunity including drug court in lieu of prison — but eventually he even went AWOL from that. He has 7 felonies total.

“Barry”
8 felonies total

Another individual that proponents of 805 like to discuss is “Barry” — who proponents suggest was facing incarceration for simply “stealing a lawnmower” — but he, too, has a long rap sheet. “Barry,” who has also used an alias, has at least 8 prior offenses in 3 different jurisdictions and has committed serial theft, stolen a vehicle, was in possession of a controlled substance (drugs), obstructed an officer, had a weapons charge, and more. After he failed drug court, he was placed on an ankle monitor to return to society; while still on his ankle monitor, he committed assault and battery. His Department of Corrections rap sheet actually looks like this:

“Proponents of S.Q. 805 talk about second chances, however this was ‘Barry’s’ ninth chance. If 805 becomes law, and ‘Barry’ commits his 10th felony, he’ll be out in a matter of days because neither the judge nor jury will be permitted to take into account his history as a repeat offender,” said Muskogee County District Attorney Orvil Loge.  “When the system is working harder to keep a criminal out of prison than the criminal himself is, there is clearly a problem.”

“Sonya”
9 total felonies

The Yes on S.Q. 805 also features a “single mother” who was simply “shoplifting.” But a closer look at her record shows that she was actually a serial shoplifter with multiple violations of larceny/theft, in addition to forgery and at least five (5) occasions of possession of drugs — with at least one occasion of possession of drugs with the intent to distribute (drug dealing). With 9 total felonies, her rap sheet looks like this:

Conclusion 

“These criminals are far from first-time offenders, and for proponents of State Question 805 to suggest otherwise is disingenuous,” said former Governor Frank Keating, supporter of Oklahomans United against 805, former prosecutor and former U.S. Attorney. Keating also oversaw the nation’s top law enforcement agencies such as the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  “S.Q. 805 would reward repeat offenders, encouraging them to continue committing crimes including check forgery, possession of drugs, domestic violence in the presence of a child, child trafficking, solicitation of a child using online technology, and more. Oklahomans deserve better than this.”

Oklahoma District Attorneys Association votes to oppose SQ 805

Oklahoma District Attorneys Association Votes Overwhelmingly to OPPOSE State Question 805

Oklahoma City (September 24th) — The Oklahoma District Attorneys Association has voted to oppose State Question 805, stating that the measure is a danger to Oklahoma’s public safety.

“State Question 805 is a misguided proposal which would impact hundreds of serious crimes,” said Angela Marsee, Oklahoma District Attorneys Association officer. “Proponents claim it’s a reform that helps first-time offenders, but in reality it will serve get-out-of-jail-free cards on a silver platter to repeat violent offenders of domestic violence in the presence of a child, stalking, animal cruelty, home burglary, arson, DUI, or soliciting sex from a minor using technology.”

Oklahoma’s district attorneys also challenge S.Q. 805 with a fact-check about claims in their new ad:

Anti-crime group launches campaign against State Question 805

Opponents Launch Campaign against State Question 805, Which Would Lessen Penalties for Repeat Offenders and Violent Criminals

Oklahoma City - Today, “Oklahomans United against 805” launched their campaign against a state question which would lessen jail sentences for habitual offenders of very serious crimes like domestic violence in the presence of a child, animal cruelty, home burglary, arson or DUI that leaves someone maimed, and even some classifications of child trafficking. 

Opponents of the measure are concerned about the core of State Question 805, which would ban a repeat criminal’s past crimes from being taken into consideration during sentencing. By taking away the ability to enhance a sentence based on past convictions, SQ 805 essentially treats habitual offenders as first-time offenders. 

State Question 805 would, therefore, lessen the punishment for those REPEATEDLY committing these serious crimes.

“It is very clear now that State Question 805 isn’t about providing ‘second chances’ for first-time criminals,” said Tricia Everest, a long-time community activist who has fought for diversion programs like drug courts and veterans’ courts to help break the cycle of crime that hits too many Oklahoma families.  “SQ805 will affect much more than standard drug crimes. It will lessen penalties for those repeatedly committing serious crimes ranging from child trafficking, domestic violence in the presence of a child, and animal cruelty, to property crimes like burglarizing homes.”

OCPA Fellow: To achieve criminal justice reform, everyone needs to chill

To achieve criminal justice reform, everyone needs to chill

by Ryan Haynie, Criminal Justice Reform Fellow at Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs

Ideas like proportionality and nuance are rapidly declining among the most vocal and those wielding the most power in our culture. In late May, a large group marched in the streets of Oklahoma City in protest of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The protest eventually devolved into rioting and destruction of property.

The extent to which the destructive behavior can be associated with the original protest has been hotly debated and won’t be addressed here. The damage included everything from graffiti to a destroyed police vehicle. In short, things got out of hand. Some innocent people, including the taxpayers of Oklahoma City, suffered harm.

In response, David Prater, District Attorney for Oklahoma County, charged three individuals with multiple felonies including terrorism. Oklahoma’s terrorism statute was enacted in 2002 as a response to the 9-11 attacks. To charge these individuals with a crime intended for Al Qaeda and Timothy McVeigh defies reason.

Small: Government and government unions killed George Floyd

Government & government unions killed George Floyd

By Jonathan Small

The death of George Floyd has been much discussed, yet some aspects of this incident have not received sufficient attention.

For example, news reports indicate Floyd was among the millions left unemployed by government-ordered shutdown of “non-essential” businesses—an act of government overreach. When he was killed, Floyd was being arrested for passing a fake $20 bill. If it were not for government action that deprived Floyd of his job and income, his alleged crime may have never been conceived. Instead, he could have continued to work and provide for himself and his family.

That’s just one way big government killed George Floyd. Another is the role played by government employee unions and their political supporters.

The Minneapolis police officer who effectively choked Floyd to death by kneeling on Floyd’s neck had a history of complaints. But thanks to government unions who funnel money to politicians and then “negotiate” with those same politicians, the police officer had little reason to fear loss of his job.

Government robbed Floyd of his income, may have incentivized his alleged non-violent crime, and then emboldened some on the Minneapolis police force to abuse their power.

Government and government unions killed George Floyd.

1889 Institute: This is Too Serious for Nonsense Like Defund the Police

Dangerously Silly: This is Too Serious for Nonsense Like Defund the Police

By Mike Davis

I would like to invite Minnesotans, especially those from Minneapolis, to Oklahoma. But you’d better come fast. Once your police force is dismantled how long will it be before your city resembles a dystopian hellscape? And make no mistake, while some using the “defund” slogan want to reduce and redistribute police budgets, others are calling for a total abolition of police forces.

Oklahoma is far from perfect. Our police, like our citizens, are imperfect. But we will not renounce the rule of law. We recognize that where major reform is needed, it does not justify permanently disbanding the police. Lawlessness and anarchy are never the answers.

If a police department is irredeemably corrupt, start from scratch. “Reboot the police” could create a new entity with new leadership that would guarantee police accountability. This is a reasonable starting point to fix broken institutions. “Defund the police” is so patently absurd that it invites people to ignore deadly realities. Serious problems deserve serious people proposing serious solutions. There are many such solutions, and some were gaining traction, but the groups behind them have been pressured to apologize that their justifiably radical proposals were not extreme enough. This will lead many to dismiss the entire cause of police reform.

Radical changes are not only justified, they are moral imperatives. Let’s fix qualified immunity, so that people harmed by police can find justice in civil courts. Let’s decouple the politicians who oversee police from union control, so that bad cops can be routinely fired and prosecuted. Let’s make sure it doesn't take nationwide protests for justice to reach bad actors with badges. Let’s make de-escalation mandatory, so that using force becomes a rarity, and deadly force is truly a last resort. Why did we ever allow things to become so broken?

As bad as things are, the “cure” of anarchy is worse than our current disease. If the police are permanently disbanded, cities will be left to outlaws. Food will become scarce as grocers and restauranteurs look for a safer place to do business. Upstanding citizens will flee. The only people who can afford to take police dissolution seriously are criminals and those who can afford to hire private security.

What do “defunders” hope to achieve? Lasting positive change will not come from dissolving police. Give people reasons to listen and act, not excuses to disengage. If the serious people with the serious proposals are afraid to contradict the zealots, their good ideas will never be heard over the noise. The nation's attention is currently fixed on the racial and police problems facing the country. Don’t waste the opportunity for real reform by pitching a ridiculous utopia that can never safely exist. When absurdities are cheered and chanted, debated and defended, it gives those who could be persuaded by serious proposals an excuse to turn their attention elsewhere, ensuring that nothing gets done. The situation is too dire to tolerate such dangerously silly distractions.

Mike Davis is an Attorney and a Research Fellow at the 1889 Institute.

Rep. Nichols announces initiative to increase transparency, accountability for policing

Nichols Announces March for Reform Initiative

Legislation Would Increase Transparency, Accountability for Policing

OKLAHOMA CITY -- State Rep. Monroe Nichols (D-Tulsa) today unveiled an initiative to increase transparency and accountability of policing practices in Oklahoma communities.

The March for Reforms Initiative offers legislative solutions to problems regarding a lack of independent investigations, citizen oversight, and critical incident accountability. The legislative solutions include the creation of the Office of Independent Monitor within the State Attorney General’s Office, and the creations of the Oklahoma State Law Enforcement Standards and Training Taskforce.

“My father was a police officer, my uncle is a current police officer, this package is not an attack on law enforcement,” Nichols said. “I hope that these reforms will instead serve as a check on the profession, just like we have checks and balances at the capitol. These are critical steps that I believe will enhance officer and citizen safety. As we move through the interim, my goal is to spend time with law enforcement and citizens to work on these reforms. There is no reason the community and law enforcement can’t come together to get this done.”

1889 Institute: Oklahoma is OK, but seriously, that's not OK

Oklahoma Is OK, but Seriously, That’s Not OK

By Byron Schlomach

The Americans at the table, negotiating a business deal, ask one of their number, “You can speak Dutch?” He replies, “I’m OK.” He proceeds to tell the Dutch that the Americans really need a hug when he was supposed to say they really need the deal. As one of the Dutch negotiators gives an American a hug, the AT&T commercial ends with the announcer saying, “When just OK is not OK.”

When I see one of those “Just OK Is Not OK” commercials, I think of the license plates that were once so common – “Oklahoma is OK.” As someone whose job is to develop policy suggestions to make Oklahoma better, that slogan – Oklahoma is OK – gets in the way.

In many respects, Oklahoma really is OK. We don’t have the best tax system, but it’s not the worst. Our taxes aren’t lowest, but they’re not nearly the highest. Our roads are pretty terrible, but eight states have worse. Eleven states have worse education systems, by one ranking. Oklahoma is now included in a list of “judicial hell holes,” but we have a lower unemployment rate than over half the states. It can’t be that bad, right?

Stitt delivers State of the State address

GOVERNOR STITT DELIVERS 2020 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

Oklahoma City, Okla. (Feb. 3, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt today delivered the 2020 State of the State address in the State House chamber, building a vision for continued state agency reform and consolidation in order to deliver Top Ten outcomes in critical categories of government transparency, health care, criminal justice reform, transportation, and more.

The transcript as prepared for delivery is as follows:

Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro Temp, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, members of my cabinet, Madam Chief Justice, members of the 57th Legislature, my best friend – the First Lady Sarah Stitt, my children, my parents, and my fellow Oklahomans…

It is a great honor to stand before you to today, and I thank my heavenly Father for allowing me to be in this position of service to Oklahoma.

Let me get right to the point. The state of our state is growing in strength, stability, and new opportunity for generations to come.

We are moving in the direction we all want to go: Top Ten in the Nation.

And we are getting there because of the hard work of Oklahoma’s entrepreneurs, because of the dedication of teachers in the classroom, because of the generous givers and compassion coming from Oklahoma’s non-profits, because of the community involvement of churches, and because of those in this room, and across our state agencies, who are making the tough, selfless decisions for the future of our great state.

I want to take a moment to highlight a few of those individuals, who are my special guests in the Chamber today:

First Lieutenant E.J. Johnson, Technical Sergeant Rebecca Imwalle, and Staff Sergeant Joy Mahan. These proud Guardsmen represent the hundreds of Oklahoma’s finest called to duty during record flooding in the State this past May.

Under the leadership of Major General Michael Thompson, they walked levies, filled sandbags, performed rescues, and conducted countless other tasks day after day.

Engineers in the Oklahoma National Guard also partnered with ODOT to build a temporary road that provided evacuees in Braggs a way out of their flooded community.

In addition to their duties within the State, the Oklahoma National Guard is also fulfilling their federal mission. More than 400 Oklahoma Guardsmen are currently fighting overseas on behalf of our state and nation at this very moment. I ask that every Oklahoman keep these brave men and women in your thoughts and prayers.

Also in the Chamber with us today is Dr. Tomas Diaz de la Rubia, the University of Oklahoma’s new head of research. I am committed to partnering with our state institutions in recruiting the best talent in the nation to Oklahoma. We will compete, and we will win.

This past year, the University of Oklahoma not only won its 13th Big 12 Football Championship, it also won the talent of one of the best researchers in the nation.

Dr. Tomas is an internationally renowned researcher who is bringing his impressive background at Purdue University, and with companies, such as Deloitte, to play a key role in identifying innovative opportunities that will elevate OU’s research reputation to Top Ten in the country. Thank you for choosing the best state in the nation to move to and make an impact.

Today, we also recognize an Oklahoma son from Tuttle - CEO of Paycom, Chad Richison. Chad founded his company, Paycom, right here in Oklahoma City in 1998, and through his vision and leadership, Paycom now serves as one of the largest employers in our great state.

Just this past month, Chad hit an incredible milestone when Paycom was added to the S&P 500 list. Thank you, Chad, for reminding us that the American dream is still alive, and Oklahoma is the best place in the nation to accomplish it.

To all my guests, thank you for being here today.

We all know that Oklahoma’s economy, and quite frankly our state budget, is built on the backs of the hardworking men and women in the oil and natural gas industry. When I delivered this address last year, 60 percent more drilling rigs were operating in Oklahoma than exists today.

Our first budget together was blessed by a thriving industry. Now, we must look at the realities of a changing and evolving market that is becoming more efficient and less influenced by international volatility. As a result, our State’s general revenue fund is estimated to be down almost one percent versus fiscal year 2020, and our total spending authority is very close to the same amount.

But we have nothing to fear. We will remain vigilant in recognizing our needs, planning for our future, and shedding waste where operations are outdated or redundant. In fact, the greatest challenge before us today is not Oklahoma’s economy. There are two reasons why:

First: The fiscal discipline displayed by many of you in this room last year has allowed the State to garner its largest savings account in Oklahoma’s history at $1 billion.

As a result, Moody’s Investor Service changed Oklahoma’s outlook from “stable” to “positive” in October. Their decision reflects an expectation that Oklahoma will maintain “strong fiscal management” and “a commitment to increasing reserves.”

Let’s follow through on that commitment.

Senator Joe Newhouse has filed legislation that would give Oklahomans a voice this year on increasing the Constitutional cap on our State’s Rainy Day fund to 30%. Let’s get it to a vote of the people! And while we wait on this vote, I am also asking for elected leaders to join me, again, in setting aside $100 million in additional funds as part of the Fiscal Year 2021 budget.

Thanks to our strong pension plans, low bond debt and progress in savings, Oklahoma is ranked as the fifth most solvent state in America. Let’s take this to #1. By saving in the good times, we are demonstrating our commitment to protect the taxpayer, the job creator, and the citizen who depends on core services.

Second: Oklahoma’s economy is more diverse than ever before.

When the City of El Reno faced the closure of a major facility, Oklahoma’s Department of Commerce quickly went into action. We deployed two career fairs, and more than 350 Oklahomans were offered employment with companies in aerospace, finance, manufacturing, healthcare and more.

This was possible because Oklahoma’s economy remains on good footing.

Our unemployment rate remains below the national average. Oklahoma’s household income has risen by nearly 4% in 2019. And sixty companies moved to our state or made significant expansions in Oklahoma this past year, with more than $2.9 billion in new capital investments announced.

One of our strongest industries this year was tourism, led by the vision of our own Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell – Imagine That!

In 2019, Oklahoma’s tourism website achieved a #1 ranking in web traffic. We beat states like California and Colorado. And tourism will continue to grow. This year, we are welcoming the largest movie production in state history with Killers of the Flower Moon.

You gave us the tools last year to bolster our recruiting efforts, and the Lt. Governor was an exceptional partner in landing this deal for Oklahoma. Once again, beating states like Texas and New Mexico.

The film production’s presence is expected to inject tens of millions into our economy. Thousands of Oklahomans will be hired as local talent and through contracts for lodging, transportation, hardware, food and more.

Oklahomans, our economy is competitive. And in this administration, we will keep it that way!

The greatest challenge before us today is government bureaucracy.

In my first year of public service and as the chief executive, I have found government too big and too broken. The state of Oklahoma spends roughly $20 billion annually. The Legislature has a strong handle on the 40% managed through the appropriations process.

Then, we – working together – provide oversight of the 60% that goes directly to state agencies from apportionments, fines, fees, and federal funding.

Last year, we delivered the greatest transparency to the State’s budget by publishing Oklahoma’s checkbook online. With the new system, we are providing user-friendly access to recent spending data.

In partnership with my office and Oklahoma Treasurer Randy McDaniel, we took Oklahoma’s 47th ranking to 7th place in online budget transparency. And we will continue to fine tune how citizen interact with it in order to compete for first place in transparency.

Most importantly, the Legislature delivered the strongest accountability in state history when you sent to my desk legislation to reform five of our state’s largest agencies. This action strengthened our budgeting oversight.

Time and time again, state agencies would ask you for more money as the solution. But I’m here to tell you it’s not all about funding. It’s about focus. It’s about leadership.

Your reforms have allowed me to go recruit the best talent, to break down silos between agencies, and to deliver the Legislature with budgets that are results-oriented. When good policy meets the right leadership, anything is possible!

Just look at what transpired in 2019 between two key agencies. When I came into office, I was told that a change in our prison system wasn’t possible without an immediate injection of $1 billion dollars.

I was told the Pardon and Parole Board could not take on an increase in casework without more employees and more funding. I was told that it would be logistically impossible to accomplish a large commutation docket to give low-level, non-violent offenders a second chance.

What did we do? You passed better policy, and we changed leadership in both agencies.

As a result:

Pardon and Parole Board consolidated its investigators with Department of Corrections. This streamlined the case work all while increasing it by 118% over 2018. They did this without a single dollar more.

The Department of Corrections launched its first-ever re-entry fairs across 28 facilities for individuals that were part of the HB 1269 commutation docket.

The idea originated from the First Lady, and it will become a permanent practice at the agency moving forward.

The number of Oklahomans in our state prisons declined by 7.6% from 2018. As a result, the number of those incarcerated is the lowest level since 2009. This is reducing the strain on our prison facilities and giving us the opportunity to reimagine the future of housing inmates. And in conjunction, the Department of Corrections withdrew its year after year request for more than $1 billion in additional funding and submitted a FY’21 request that addresses the critical needs of tomorrow.

It is now time to complete this successful consolidation effort.

I am calling for the Legislature to protect the Constitutional mandate for Pardon and Parole Board appointments yet pass legislation that absorbs the remainder of the operations with Corrections.

Collaboration is already taking place, thanks to the leadership of Director Scott Crow and Director Steve Bickley. It is time we make this official in law to prevent future bureaucracy from creeping back in.

When government is working and is unified under one vision, we can change the lives of Oklahomans for the better.

Here in the Chamber with us today is Tara. Tara is a mother of four children who was serving a 10-year sentence due to a relapse with a drug addiction. Prior to her release, Tara met Chris Linder from Center for Employment Opportunities at the transition fair.

When she was commuted under the HB 1269 docket, Tara was immediately connected to sober housing at Exodus, began working a temporary job for CEO, and within a month of release was hired for a full-time position by a local Tulsa company where she is finding stability and opportunity again.

Tara, we believe in you. The State and our community partners want to help you keep a tight hold of the hope and future you and your family deserve.

Friends, agency consolidation must not stop there.

Sec. Tim Gatz has done an exceptional job leading both the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. Sec. Gatz is beginning the process of combining all back office and common functions into one shared service entity for both agencies.

We will maintain separate general management for unique functions, while streamlining operations that are duplicative in nature so we can deliver the highest quality of transportation possible.

We will operate with one, unifying vision for infrastructure as we continue to move towards Top Ten status. Thank you, Sec. Gatz, for your leadership.

When Oklahoma is in crisis, it is most often our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) that is at the center of restoring us back to normal. OEM has the ability to call upon whatever resource it needs to help Oklahoma’s communities prevent, respond, or recover from a major crisis.

Homeland Security is a key part of that effort, proving valuable coordination to support our first responders. By merging these two agencies, we will bolster response capabilities, streamline coordination, and leverage existing resources for stronger prevention programs.

As we prepare to recognize the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing in April, we must continue to set the standard for our nation in how to respond to and manage crisis when tested by tragedy. Oklahomans deserve it and this merger will help us achieve that goal.

Thank you to OEM Director Mark Gower and Homeland Security Director Kim Carter who are committed to working with the Legislature to get this done right.

Some will cry that consolidation is disruptive. Let me be clear – it will-be for political insiders and those that find comfort in big bureaucracy. But it is what we need to do to improve decision-making, deliver better accountability, and target dollars directly towards helping our citizens instead of paying for administrative bloat.

Oklahoma has the 20th highest land mass among states, the 28th largest population, and yet, we have the 9th most state agencies out of all 50 states. This is unacceptable. There is no value to having more agencies than other states; it has not solved our Bottom Ten rankings in critical categories.

As we reduce bureaucracy, we must also provide necessary relief and enhanced opportunities for our dedicated public employees. President Pro Tem Greg Treat and Representative Mike Osburn have already filed legislation to begin the conversation again on civil service reform.

It is time we get this done in 2020!

The state’s current civil service program is broken. High quality employees are forced into a system that doesn’t maximize their professional growth and potential. Agency leaders have their hands tied in who they can hire and promote due to outdated restrictions.

Today, I am calling for reform that requires all new hires in state government, moving forward, to be unclassified.

I am requesting language that allows agency directors discretion to offer bonuses, within the confines of their budgets, for employees to receive a promotion out of their restricted classified positions.

Through this attrition model, I am casting a vision for the majority of the State’s work force to be unclassified in the next five years.

As part of civil service reform, I am calling for a 3-person panel in the Human Capital Management Department to maintain whistle blower protections and to provide due process to state employees who have serious grievances, whether these employees are classified or not.

Let’s make the state’s largest employer a place where we can hire the best; where we reward good performers; and where we are building a training ground for an exceptional workforce that can transition beyond public service if they so choose.

With a long-term focus on agency reform, we will lay a new, stronger foundation for the State of Oklahoma. Any policy that the Legislature sends to my desk to further this effort will be signed. This is how we will actually get the tax-dollar directly back to the citizen - through better services.

One of the most significant areas where we need reform is health care.

I just returned from Washington, D.C., where I stood with the Trump administration to announce that the State of Oklahoma will be pursuing new flexibilities through the Healthy Adult Opportunity. With these new flexibilities, Oklahoma will begin the process in the coming weeks to rollout SoonerCare 2.0. Under this reformed Medicaid program, we will seek to close the gap of those uninsured in Oklahoma.

We will deliver much-needed accountability in the Medicaid system to focus on rewarding health outcomes and stronger performance in care. With HAO flexibility, we will deliver personal responsibility to new enrollees under SoonerCare 2.0.

We will seek to establish moderate premiums and work requirements. We will encourage able-bodied adults to transition towards a path of maintaining private insurance and pursuing educational or employment opportunities that advances their full personal potential.

With HAO flexibility, we will seek to establish programs that enhance accessibility of health care in rural Oklahoma. And we will seek to expand targeted treatment for opioid addiction and substance abuse.

But I can’t do this without you.

Oklahoma is currently positioned to be the first in the nation to be granted the Trump administration’s waiver to achieve unprecedented flexibility and accountability in delivering Medicaid to adults.

No one who is currently eligible will lose coverage; actually, more than 180,000 Oklahomans would gain coverage under SoonerCare 2.0.

State Auditor Cindy Byrd is in the middle of auditing our Medicaid rolls, a request I filed last year. Her auditors expect to be done this spring, which will allow us to address abuse in the system and ensure that the reformed SoonerCare 2.0 will truly help those who need it the most.

But Washington needs to see support from the Oklahoma State Legislature to feel confident that this plan is on solid financial standing.

Today, I call on the House and the Senate to send to my desk legislation to give certainty that the Oklahoma Health Care Authority can use the full 4% of the SHOPP assessment to fund SoonerCare 2.0, while protecting reimbursements.

We must also reform TSET. Let’s protect the current corpus yet reallocate future funds towards improving the delivery of rural healthcare. Help me keep Oklahoma #1 in competing for this new opportunity through the Trump administration.

Any other effort to enact a clean expansion of Medicaid, to include putting it in the State’s Constitution, will create significant restrictions. With straight Medicaid Expansion, Oklahoma will be left with the same ineffective and unaccountable program that has failed to bring us out of Bottom Ten rankings.

The time is now to innovate, to focus on outcomes, and to make Oklahoma a national leader in the delivery of healthcare. To make this sustainable, we must also move forward on significant reforms in the operations of our state health and human services agencies.

Did you know that Oklahoma has 10 different state agencies passing money through the Medicaid program in Oklahoma? And 18 state entities that license health care facilities and providers?

You cannot convince me that operating that many bureaucracies is an efficient way of doing business. And it has to change.

This is why I am calling for the Legislature to begin the process of creating one central health care agency.

Let’s partner together to fully integrate, by the year 2022, the functions of the State Department of Health, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA), the Department of Mental Health, and others, as well as all of the state’s licensing boards that deal with health.

In addition, Oklahoma can no longer afford to be so far behind other states with regards to using and protecting health data. Within the next couple months, we will select a vendor to establish a statewide Health Information Exchange (HIE).

This effort has been a long-time in the making and with the right leadership in place, more progress has been made in 10 months than in the last 10 years. Thank you OHCA Director Kevin Corbett and Secretary Jerome Loughridge.

A functional HIE will protect Oklahomans’ health records while ensuring these records are portable and accessible at all times, and I appreciate Senator Greg McCortney’s legislation that will enhance and protect the hard work underway in our agencies.

And this is just the beginning of health reform in Oklahoma.

Many of you in the Legislature are spearheading legislation that will help to create a better healthcare system across the board, to include legislation that will create pricing transparency for medical bills, and Representative Marcus McEntire’s legislation to put an end to surprise billing practices.

Thank you. Let’s continue to work together and push the envelope on improving health care delivery and outcomes for all 4 million Oklahomans.

In this administration, we will continue to focus on becoming Top Ten in education.

It is why the Legislature put more funding into the funding formula this school year, bringing the total taxpayer investment in common education to the largest in state history. We will protect it. But we must also reform it by taking a hard look at our state’s funding formula.

We should allow voters to unlock more local dollars. With reform, we must also address any mechanisms that are preventing tax dollars from getting directly to today’s classroom.

The path to Oklahoma’s future prosperity will be achieved by promoting the profession of teaching and focusing on students’ advancements and opportunities.

This is why the Legislature rallied last year to give our teachers a second year of much-deserved pay raises.  I am glad to report that not only did districts give pay raises of at least $1,220 last year, but some went beyond, like Owasso Public Schools, where now a first-year teacher can expect a beginning compensation of $42,000.

It is why this Legislature continues to build a competitive and solvent Teacher Retirement System, by investing more than $300 million annually above the $750 million that taxpayers support through employee and employer contributions.

Our dedication will continue so that teachers know that when they retire, their pensions will be funded. But more state revenue is not the answer alone.

We must also continue to recruit the best teachers and confront our teacher shortage. I support legislation that would direct the State Board of Education to issue a teaching certificate to anyone who holds a valid out-of-state teaching certification, with no other requirements except a criminal history record check.

This year, we must get across the finish line proven solutions to enhance learning opportunities for students.

Now is the time to raise the cap on the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship to $30 million, to allow Oklahomans to be rewarded for investing their funds directly to our students and schools

In the Chamber, as my special guests, are Ms. Alegra Williams and her sixth- and eighth-grade sons, Chaves and Sincere. Ms. Williams’ sons were struggling in school, making all C’s and D’s until she had the opportunity to enroll them in Crossover Preparatory Academy, a private all-boys school in north Tulsa.

Crossover prep was started as a key initiative to restore their community through education for young men. Crossover Prep is a tuition-free school because they believe that a child’s access to a quality education shouldn’t be dependent on their parent’s ability to afford it.

In the boys’ first semester at Crossover, Chaves jumped three reading grade levels, and Sincere jumped two-and-a-half reading levels. Chaves and Sincere, will you stand? And will everyone join me and their mom in applauding their hard work this year?

Chaves and Sincere were able to get the help they needed because of the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act. Increasing the tax credit cap will provide additional incentives for donors, resulting in more public-school grants and private-school scholarships.

Thank you to Senator Dave Rader and Representative Jon Echols for leading the charge.

Let’s work together to make sure all students at all schools have access to an innovative, enriching curriculum, regardless of ZIP code.

Because we believe in all students and helping them succeed, I am also launching a program this year called Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG). JAG is a state-based national non-profit organization dedicated to preventing dropouts among young people who have serious barriers to graduation and employment.

In more than three decades of operation, JAG has delivered consistent, compelling results – helping more than one million young people stay in school through graduation, pursue postsecondary education and secure quality entry-level jobs leading to career advancement opportunities.

While we are on the topic of education, let me take a brief moment to address one critical matter.

In 2019, 1.3% of the common education funding came from the State’s exclusivity fees on Class III games on tribal casinos. These dollars, which are first deposited to the Oklahoma Education Reform Revolving Fund, equal roughly $130 million compared to public education’s total funding of $9.7 billion, as sourced by the 2019 School District Revenue Report.

The Model Gaming Compacts have been a success, greater than anyone predicted.

Unfortunately, we have an expired Model Gaming Compact, a compact in which notable tribes have previously called “dated” and “unsuitable” for current and future business.

After 5 offers from the State for all stakeholders to come together to modernize the Model Gaming Compact, three tribes instead sued the State on New Year’s Eve.

While we wait for the federal court’s decision, I am calling for the Legislature to join me in protecting public education. I am asking for legislation that will allow the remaining cash balance from 2019 and funds from the Revenue Stabilization Fund to be leveraged, if needed, to compensate for any temporary pause in Class III gaming fees.

As Governor, I remain supportive of the sovereignty of the State of Oklahoma and our right – and your duty as the Legislature – to oversee all industries operating in the State.

I also remain confident the State and Oklahoma’s tribes can hammer out a compromise that is a win-win for all four million Oklahomans, and we can accomplish this without putting public education in the crosshairs.

As I said last year, and it bears repeating, we need more taxpayers, not more taxes. Everything we do has a dotted line back to growing our economy.

It is why my budget calls for the funding of the Closing Fund by another $3 million, as well as a $200 million financing plan with a majority prioritized towards rural roads and high-volume interchanges.

Oklahoma has moved from 49th to 13th in bridge conditions within 15 years, and while we work towards Top Ten in this critical category, we are going to start moving the needle on our ranking of super-two roads and pavement quality.

Oklahoma is the crossroads of America, and our roads are key to attracting future job creators whether it is to Altus, Enid, Broken Bow or in the heart of Tulsa.

Today, I am also filing an executive order to address Oklahoma’s excessive red tape.

Oklahoma’s administrative code is double the size of the state of Kansas and 20 percent more than Missouri and New Mexico. My executive order will call for the first-ever comprehensive review of the State’s administrative code and will instruct agencies to remove two regulations for every new one created.

The intent is to reduce red tape by 25% in the next three years, providing relief to Oklahoma’s job creators and farmers and ranchers while also strengthening our recruitment efforts to diversify and grow Oklahoma’s economy.

We must also continue our progress on occupational licensing reform.

Speaker Charles McCall and Senator Adam Pugh made it a priority last year to reduce barriers to work for military families. And Senator Julie Daniels and Rep. Zach Taylor passed meaningful second-chance legislation to expand occupational licensing opportunity for those who have previously encountered the justice system.

This year, let’s get universal licensing recognition across the finish line too. We can continue to make progress on economic prosperity when we remove unnecessary and antiquated barriers to entry.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Oklahoma is competing. Oklahoma is winning. Oklahoma is undergoing the Turnaround that voters demanded.

It may not be comfortable at times. It demands hard decisions and boldness. It requires long-term planning and commitment to one vision.

But we are making inroads that will last for generations… that will make us stronger… more prosperous… Top Ten.

There is no place I would rather be than Oklahoma. There is no better team than the ones elected in this room. There is no better time in our State’s history than now. Let’s do this together.

God bless you. And God bless the great State of Oklahoma.