Stitt administration releases Annual Accomplishments Report

STITT ADMINISTRATION RELEASES ANNUAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS REPORT

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 31, 2021) – Governor Kevin Stitt released today the 2020 Stitt Administration Annual Accomplishments Report. The comprehensive report focuses on the Stitt administration’s response to the historic COVID-19 pandemic, support for Oklahoma schools and teachers, economic growth and a continued focus on improving transparency, accountability and efficiency in state government.

“While 2020 looked a lot different from our first year in office, we have seen some great accomplishments across state government,” Governor Stitt wrote in a letter to Oklahomans included in the report. “The proactive and ongoing efforts to provide critical services during a historic pandemic have been possible thanks to our committed state employees who have worked day and night to support their fellow Oklahomans. 2020 tested the resiliency of our state and our people, but at the root of it all, we’ve endured. We remain focused on the promise of tomorrow and the promise of becoming a Top Ten state.”

1889 Institute: An Alliterative Appeal for Balanced Behavior and A Cease to COVID Craziness

An Alliterative Appeal for Balanced Behavior and A Cease to COVID Craziness

By Mike Davis

Allowing an admittedly adverse ailment to be inaccurately advertised as apocalyptic is abhorrent. An accurate assessment advises all to avoid alarmism and act appropriately. Anxieties are anticipated, but authentic appraisal admits an alternative: any of advanced age or anemic autoimmunity are advised to avoid acquaintances and afflicted areas. Able-bodied adults and adolescents are able to get back to business.

Bureaucrats ban beneficial business. Busybodies blinded by bombastic broadcasts belittle benign behaviors. But bravery bolsters benevolence. By bringing back businesses, cities can commence cooperative commerce. 

Concededly, Covid causes casualties. However, car crashes can be catastrophic. Curiously, coupes continue to cruise. Caution is called for, but we can't condone crippling cowardice.

1889 Institute on OK's COVID-19 Shutdown: "Not Worth the Cost"

The COVID-19 Shutdown: Not Worth the Cost

By Byron Schlomach

The costs of the economic shutdown due to COVID-19 across the nation are mounting. Record unemployment caused by a government-induced 25 percent reduction in the nation’s monthly GDP is symptomatic of bankrupted individuals and businesses. Drug use and suicides have surged. A little- noticed U.N. report has pointed out the obvious – that even a mild worldwide recession will cause hundreds of thousands of children’s deaths. So, news of state re-openings are welcome.

Governor Stitt has declared many businesses can open on Friday, April 24. By May 1, all enterprises in the state will be able to operate more or less normally. Eventually, Oklahoma will be fully operating again. But the question remains, “Was the shutdown and extreme social distancing even necessary?”

The answer is a clear and unequivocal “No.”

Gov. Stitt amends executive order to open Oklahoma's economy

GOV. STITT AMENDS EXECUTIVE ORDER 2020-13 TO OPEN OKLAHOMA’S ECONOMY

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 24, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt today issued Fourth Amended Executive Order (EO) 2020-13, which adds the guidelines provided under the Open Up and Recover Safely (OURS) plan that was introduced earlier this week.

“From the beginning it has been my intent to protect the health and lives of Oklahomans, especially our vulnerable populations, and mitigate the impact to Oklahoma’s economy,” said Gov. Stitt. “As we begin to responsibly implement this measured response to open Oklahoma’s economy back up, we will continue to prioritize the safety of our people and base all decisions on the data in our state.”

House Health Chairman Roberts praises Stitt's "common sense" reopen guidelines

STATEMENT: Rep. Sean Roberts on Governor’s Plan to Reopen Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Sean Roberts (R-Hominy) today released the following statement regarding Gov. Kevin Stitt’s plan, announced this afternoon, to begin the process of reopening Oklahoma:

“Oklahomans have done a great job in banding together to flatten the curve of infections and protect their vulnerable neighbors. We’ve seen this evidenced in the decrease of the projected number of cases in our state.

OCPA thanks Gov. Stitt for working to reopen Oklahoma

The following statement was issued today by Jonathan Small, president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs:

“This afternoon, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the state’s plans to begin gradually and safely reopening Oklahoma now that the state’s COVID-19 curve has flattened. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, OCPA has said we must protect Oklahomans from the virus while ensuring that Oklahomans can continue to provide for their families. Governor Stitt’s plan embraces both priorities.

“As Oklahoma re-opens, it is important to continue safety measures to reduce viral spread. At the same time, the state should continue lifting oppressive regulations to empower Oklahomans while also mitigating risks.

“For tens of thousands of Oklahomans, their lives, health and livelihoods have already been negatively impacted by these shutdowns. By taking this first step to begin reopening Oklahoma, Governor Stitt has helped limit these negative impacts and ensured that Oklahoma has a brighter future.”

The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs is a free-market think tank that works to advance principles and policies that support free enterprise, limited government, and individual initiative.

Gov. Stitt announces 3-phase "Open Up and Recover Safely" plan

GOVERNOR STITT ANNOUNCES “OPEN UP AND RECOVER SAFELY” PLAN

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 22, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt today held a press conference to provide an update on the State’s response to COVID-19 and introduce the State's Open Up and Recover Safely (OURS) plan.

“From the beginning it has been my intent to protect the health and lives of Oklahomans, especially our vulnerable populations, and mitigate the impact to Oklahoma’s economy and get Oklahomans safely back to work,” said Gov. Stitt. “We have put together a group of industry professionals from across our state, and they have been working with my Governor’s Solution Task Force and our health advisors to develop a way to get back open safely. As we begin to responsibly implement this measured response, we will continue to prioritize the safety of Oklahomans and base all decisions on the data in our state.”

Under current White House guidelines Oklahoma has met all necessary criteria to begin proceeding to a phased opening, including a downward trajectory of documented cases and the ability to treat all patients without crisis care.

Gov. Stitt: OK's curve is flattening, can see light at end of the tunnel

I would have had this up yesterday, but I've been swamped with work over the past two weeks, ironically enough.

GOVERNOR STITT PROVIDES UPDATE ON STATE’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19

Issues Safer at Home extension and announces scheduled resumption of elective surgeries

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 15, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt today held a press conference to provide an update on the State’s response to COVID-19, including an extension of the Safer at Home order and the scheduled resumption of elective surgeries.

Citizen petition supports reopening state

Citizen petition supports reopening state 

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 16, 2020) — Now that Oklahoma’s health care system is prepared to handle the estimated “peak” in COVID-19 hospitalizations, a new petition allows citizens to call on state and local government officials to reopen the state while maintaining sensible health precautions.

The petition appears to fall in line with the recent goals announced by Gov. Kevin Stitt.