Cabinet secretaries, legislators follow Stitt in donating convalescent plasma to fight COVID-19

CABINET SECRETARIES, LEGISLATORS ANSWER GOVERNOR STITT’S CALL TO DONATE CONVALESCENT PLASMA TO HELP FIGHT COVID-19  

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 11, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today that cabinet secretaries and state legislators who have recovered from COVID-19 have answered his call for convalescent plasma donations and will be making donations at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Oklahoma Blood Institute, 901 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

Scheduled donors include:

State announces progress in managing increase in unemployment claims

OESC and Digital Transformation Show Progress in Managing Increase in Unemployment Claims  

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 24, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt’s Secretary of Digital Transformation, David Ostrowe, in partnership with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) and Executive Director Robin Roberson announced today the State agency has made headway in upgrading the state’s decades old system for filing unemployment claims.

“Since the first of April, the agency has processed over 160,000 claims, which is more than the agency traditionally processes in one full year,” said Secretary of Digital Transformation David Ostrowe. “The speed of processing these critical and timely benefits was made possible due to rapid and significant digital improvements made to the agency’s operations in partnership with OMES.”

Stitt signs bills funding budget for April, calls on Legislature to hold to agreement fully funding May and June

Governor Stitt signs SB 1053 and SB 617 to fund budget for April, calls on Legislature to hold to agreement fully funding May and June

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 9, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt signed SB 1053 and SB 617 today, fully funding the state government through the month of April. Gov. Stitt also called on the Legislature to restore funding cuts to Oklahoma’s digital transformation initiatives and preserve all funding to the FY 2020 budget.

“Let me make something clear to the people of Oklahoma,” said Gov. Stitt. “We had a deal with the Legislature to fully fund state government for April, May and June. I am committed to standing by our deal, but House leadership wanted to use this time to play Washington, D.C. politics and sneak in some last-minute changes while Oklahomans are hurting.”

Under the legislation sent to Gov. Stitt’s office this week, state savings were used to fund the entirety of the $416 million revenue failure – with the single exception of funding for digital transformation, an agreed upon budget priority for FY 2020.

“With Governor Stitt’s mission to digitally transform State government services, we have put Oklahoma’s checkbook online, moved from 47th in budget transparency to 7th and we have moved Oklahoma’s broadband ranking from 47th to 26th in one single year,” said David Ostrowe, Secretary of Digital Transformation. “The State is prioritizing valuable funds towards delivering more government services online, enhancing cyber protections of Oklahomans’ personal information and streamlining and improving critical policy areas like criminal justice and health care. With this administration’s digital transformation that is underway, not only will Oklahomans be better served by the State but we will save Oklahoma taxpayers hundreds of millions through future efficiencies. A failure to bring Oklahoma into the 21st century, a transformation a majority of other States have already undergone, will result in a more expensive, more bureaucratic government for the next generation.”

“We had a deal, and I remain committed to that deal that fully funds the rest of 2020 with no cuts,” said Gov. Stitt. “Where I grew up in Oklahoma, your word is your bond. That’s no different at the Capitol. The people of Oklahoma elected me to hold true to my word, and I would be letting them down if I allowed the House leadership to try and play politics after we had an agreement. The truth is on my side.”

Gov. Stitt did not take action on SB 199, which becomes null and void without a meeting of the Board of Equalization to certify the revenue failure.

A video archive of Gov. Stitt’s media availability can be viewed below:

Rep. Stark to Hold Study on State IDs for Inmates Leaving Prison

Stark to Hold Study on State IDs for Inmates Leaving Prison

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Marilyn Stark (R-Bethany) will host an interim study over state IDs for inmates upon their release at 8:30 a.m. on Tues., Nov. 12, in room 432A at the State Capitol before the House Public Safety Committee.

Stark, who attended Monday’s release in Taft of over 50 women whose sentences were commuted under House Bill 1269, said that the Legislature has taken important first steps for criminal justice reform, but there is more to be done.

“The Legislature is making progress to seriously address Oklahoma’s incarceration and recidivism rates, but it’s important that we build off of the steps we’ve taken so far and continue the momentum to propel Oklahoma into a Top Ten state,” Stark said. “The easier we can make the transition back into civilian life for people leaving incarceration, the less likely they are to reoffend. We know that the justice system has already verified the identity of each person in the system, so it seems like a serious flaw that we aren’t providing a state ID for them when they reenter society.”

Stark said this issue came to her attention prior to her election to the House while she was working with an organization that offered a food bank. She said food banks require an ID, which many former inmates lost track of while imprisoned, and a lack of state ID contributes significantly to the struggles former inmates face upon release.

Speakers may include Kris Steele, executive director of Teem; Jessica Brown from the Dept. of Corrections; Jeff Hankins, the director of drivers’ licenses services at the Dept. of Public Safety; Captain Sheridan O’Neal, a legislative liaison at the Dept. of Public Safety; Secretary of Digital Transformation and Administration David Ostrowe; and Kelly Baker, the state registrar of vital records at the Dept. of Health.

Stark expects to file legislation this year to address this issue. The deadline to introduce new bills is Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. The second session of the 57th Legislature will commence Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.

A livestream of the study will be available here beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Rep. Marilyn Stark, a Republican, serves District 100 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes portions of Bethany, Oklahoma City and Warr Acres.

Gov. Stitt launches 'Oklahoma Checkbook', putting easy online access to state spending

GOVERNOR STITT LAUNCHES OKLAHOMA CHECKBOOK ENSURING EASY ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT’S SPENDING LEDGER

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 12, 2019) — Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the launch of Oklahoma Checkbook, fulfilling a campaign promise to provide Oklahomans with an easy-to-navigate site so they can understand how their taxpayer dollars are being spent. The interactive website, which provides near real time data on the state’s expenses, ensures citizens can quickly and easily review the state’s ledger, providing a greater means of accountability and transparency.

“Since day one I have said we need to put our state government checkbook online so the people of Oklahoma can hold their agencies and elected officials accountable,” said Stitt. “Oklahoma Checkbook creates a level of accountability and transparency within Oklahoma’s government that is unprecedented. I look forward to seeing how this user friendly tool helps keep us on track to becoming a top ten state in budget transparency.” 

Oklahoma Checkbook can be accessed at checkbook.ok.gov. The initiative is a partnership between the Stitt Administration and the Office of the State Treasurer.

“Today we are opening a window to let the light shine brightly on state government spending,” State Treasurer Randy McDaniel said. “The use of taxpayer funds should be transparent and readily available. I’m honored to work with Governor Stitt and his leadership team to improve openness and accountability in state government. “

The site is built on extensive datasets. Users can visualize the data using the interactive features and dive into the details of each expense down to the transaction level. It is powered by OpenGov, the leading cloud-based solution for government budgeting, performance, and communications.

“Oklahoma Checkbook will shine a bright light on our financial records and uncover potential accounting errors in state government,” said Sec. Ostrowe. “The interactive website will provide Oklahomans with much-needed transparency and help the agency heads and elected officials, charged with keeping our financial house in order, make more efficient and effective decisions.”

About OpenGov
OpenGov is the leader in cloud-based solutions for government. The OpenGov Cloud™ is the only integrated cloud solution for budgeting, performance, communications and reporting. This multi-tenant Software-as-a-Service ("SaaS") solution connects stakeholders to the budget process, engages them for real-time feedback, accurately forecasts personnel costs, and integrates with key government systems, resulting in improved outcomes, enhanced internal efficiencies, and more time for strategic planning.

Over 2,000 public agencies use OpenGov -- including the State of Ohio; the City of Richmond, VA; and Minneapolis, MN. OpenGov was founded in 2012, and is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Emerson Collective, 8VC, and Thrive Capital.

OCPA column: It's time for government to change

It’s time for government to change

By Jonathan Small

One reason Oklahoma remains mired at the bottom of many national rankings is that policymakers have been too willing to accept the status quo. “Because that’s how we’ve always done it” has been tolerated as an excuse for keeping government systems the same, year in and year out, regardless of results.

It’s still early, but Gov. Kevin Stitt appears to be an exception to that rule. He is challenging many long-held assumptions about Oklahoma government. Stitt has requested, and the Legislature has granted him, the power to appoint the leaders of major state agencies. The old system allowed Oklahomans to elect a new chief executive every four years, but then allowed unaccountable bureaucrats to stymie the voters’ desire for change. Thanks to Stitt’s efforts, a new degree of accountability has been added to government.

But Stitt’s efforts extend beyond reforming how agency leaders are selected. He’s also working to bring state agencies into the 21st century. Among those at the forefront of this fight is David Ostrowe, Stitt’s secretary of digital transformation and administration. Ostrowe’s job is to identify and eliminate much needless duplication and inefficiency in government. It appears there’s not a short supply of either, since Ostrowe recently remarked in a TV interview that Oklahoma’s current government structure can be described as follows: “If there’s a simple process, a simple way to go from A to Z, we go back to B several times.” The administration is working so everything from paying taxes to getting a license can soon be done via mobile technology. And the administration is trying to break down barriers between agencies, noting it makes no sense for Oklahomans to have to fill out the same paper forms over and over again every time they interact with a different part of government.

At a recent town hall event in Kingfisher, Stitt noted that Oklahomans could not use a credit card to pay for campsites at some state parks. In some instances, people literally stuffed cash into a box. “Y’all might help me with this,” Stitt quipped, “but I’m not positive that all those dollars made it to the treasury.” Thanks to Stitt’s efforts, Oklahomans can now use credit cards at those sites.

For too long, Oklahoma politicians have argued that there’s nothing wrong with state government, aside from not collecting enough taxes from Oklahoma workers. Stitt appears to be cut from different cloth. If he continues down the path he’s on, Oklahomans may soon enjoy greater convenience from state government. But more importantly, they will have government that responds to challenges by making limited tax dollars stretch further instead of default resorting to tax increases.

Jonathan Small serves as president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (www.ocpathink.org).

Stitt picks Secretaries of Transportation, Digital Transformation & Administration

GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT ANNOUNCES SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION, SECRETARY OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION & ADMINISTRATION

Oklahoma City, Okla. (January 18, 2019) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Tim Gatz as Secretary of Transportation and the appointment of David Ostrowe as Secretary of Digital Transformation and Administration, two cabinet positions that require Senate confirmation.

“This cabinet is about developing a team of Oklahomans who are ready to do things differently in state government and pursue bold ideas that can make Oklahoma a Top Ten state,” said Gov. Stitt. “I asked Tim Gatz to serve as Secretary of Transportation because he is the right leader for us to take a fresh approach to developing our state’s infrastructure, one that is fiscally responsible and continues to attract job creators to Oklahoma. David Ostrowe has a history of bringing new life to stagnant companies, and I welcome his thought leadership in bringing state government in to the 21st century with how we are delivering services effectively and efficiently.”

Tim Gatz has served as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) since June of 2016. He previously served as Deputy Director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) from 2013 to 2016. He has more than two decades of service with ODOT, beginning his career with the agency as a Drafting Technician in 1990. Gatz was instrumental in the development of ODOT’s project management methodologies and Eight-year Construction Work Plan. Gatz earned a bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture from Oklahoma State University in 1989 and is a registered professional landscape architect.

“I am humbled, honored and excited to serve Governor Stitt as he leads our great State towards real and measurable improvement," said Gatz. "Safe and efficient transportation infrastructure of all types supports our families, communities, and commerce and his vision will contribute directly to our near term success and to the prosperity of generations to come. I look forward to a collaborative and innovative role working with the excellent team he has assembled."

David Ostrowe will serve on the governor’s cabinet in an unpaid capacity, placing a strategic emphasis on digital transformation in the delivery of services across all agencies. Ostrowe will also provide oversight of state financial institutions, similarly executed by the cabinet title “Secretary of Finance” seen in previous administration.

Ostrowe will continue in his role as the President and CEO of O&M Restaurant Group. In 1999, Ostrowe launched his first business in Oklahoma City. That business grew from a one-man shop to what it is now, a $65 million, multi-unit and multi-state operation with 1,000 employees. Ostrowe currently serves as the Western Regional Chair Emeritus for Young Presidents Organization and was the Oklahoma City Chair Emeritus. He has also been a Board member of Allied Arts for 14 years. Previously, Ostrowe was a member of Burger King Corporation’s Restaurant Counsel for eight years and Chair Emeritus for “The Growth Group,” a Burger King franchisee association made up of large quick service restaurant developers throughout the United States. Ostrowe is also a past Professor of Business, teaching two to three classes per semester at OU’s Price Business School.

“As Secretary of Digital Transformation and Administration, I look forward to working alongside the Stitt administration in order to bring efficiency and effectiveness to government operations and give back to a State that has given me so much,” said Ostrowe.

Endorsements for Tim Gatz as Secretary of Transportation:

“I have known director Gatz for the better part of three decades. We have worked together rather closely over the last two decades. And I would not hesitate to say that his reputation is beyond reproach as far as his ethics and loyalty to the people of Oklahoma. He is the one who has helped so much in the innovation of moving transportation forward both at ODOT and at the turnpike authority. And he has done a great job recently at the TPA leading that agency to one of the biggest expansion programs in the state of Oklahoma. He will make a great addition to the governor’s cabinet and I know that he will make us all proud.”
-Gary Ridley, Former Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation

“I think Tim will make an outstanding Secretary of Transportation. I watched him rise through the ranks in the Department of Transportation because of his cool head and ability to execute plans well. I also observed him as he took over the turnpike authority and launched one of the largest construction programs in Oklahoma. He understands the transportation business and he will make an excellent secretary and advisor to the governor.”
-Neal McCaleb, Ambassador for the Chickasaw Nation and Former Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation

Endorsements for David Ostrowe as Secretary of Digital Transformation and Administration:

“Oklahoma will see swift benefits from the broad vision and deep business sensibilities David Ostrowe displays when tackling big issues and maximizing opportunities to advance. Beyond his impressive private sector track record as an entrepreneur and business builder, I’ve witnessed first-hand the innovation David brings to education in OU’s Price College of Business.  For years, David has taught aspiring business students to leverage the power of markets and technology to become the dynamic leaders necessary for Oklahoma’s best future. David has the enviable combination of being both a thinker and a doer who brings hard work and fresh perspectives to everything in which he invests. Today, the citizens of Oklahoma are fortunate to have David investing his time and talent in such an important role for us all.”
– Daniel Pullin, dean, Michael F. Price College of Business, University of Oklahoma

“It’s been my great honor to get to know David Ostrowe very well over the past 10 years and my privilege to consider him a close personal friend and admired businessman. David operates his personal and professional matters with the highest degree of integrity and is a great visionary and leader. When he takes something on, he gives it 110% all in effort and I could not be more excited for Oklahoma and The Stitt Administration to have David serving in his new capacity as Secretary of Digital Transformation and Administration. It is just one more example of how Governor Stitt is surrounding himself with capable, experienced and very accomplished individuals to help him move Oklahoma towards becoming a top 10 State in all important, measurable aspects. David does not need another ‘job’, but his willingness to serve his State at this time and in this capacity makes me very hopeful that we can accomplish great progress for the benefit of all citizens of Oklahoma!”
– Chad Dillingham, CEO of Dillingham Insurance

"David Ostrowe will be a fantastic Secretary of Digital Transformation and Administration. His experience in turning around businesses is unmatched. Culture, systems, protocols, outcomes and accountability will be the cornerstones of his reforms. Oklahoma has no chance of becoming a top 10 state without serious attention being paid to all of these critical fundamentals."
– Rick Nagel, Managing Partner of Acorn Growth Companies

“It is exciting to me to think about what digital technologies have done for the private sector and how lessons learned can be applied to state government.  Accountability, efficiency and communication are just a few of the areas impacted with successful digital deployments.  However, a digital strategy requires exhaustive planning and implementation.  Governor Stitt has wisely tapped Mr. David Ostrowe to lead this digital transformation in Oklahoma.  Mr. Ostrowe’s experience as an entrepreneur is invaluable when considering how we can make government more efficient via technology.  Digital technologies are reshaping the world.  Oklahoma has an excellent opportunity under the new Stitt administration to create value and long term positive results.  It starts now.”
– Mims Talton, CEO of Flogistix’s

“David gets things done. His creativity is matched only by his focus on details. His leadership results in major transformations of organizations of all kinds. David turns ‘we can’t’ into ‘we will’.”
– Renzi Stone, CEO of Saxon

David Ostrowe is an excellent choice for leading the digital transformation that our state needs. As an experienced and successful businessman, he will help drive the efficiency and effectiveness that is so needed in state government.”
–       Chip Fudge, Chairman of Claims Management Resources