Lawmakers React To Gov. Stitt's State Of The State Speech

The 2024 legislative session kicked off on Monday with a joint session of the House and Senate for Gov. Kevin Stitt's sixth State of the State address.

Gov. Stitt spent much of Monday's speech talking about business, taxes, crime, tribal relations, and education in Oklahoma. Each of these topics was tied into Stitt's central thesis of improving Oklahoma's economic fortunes in order to make it more attractive to businesses.

Related Story: Gov. Stitt Wants To Improve Oklahoma's Economic Outlook Through Lower Taxes, Business Deals, Education

Some lawmakers say they are ready to get the governor’s plans rolling, while others are critical of his priorities.

When the House Chamber doors flung open at the end of the State of the State, lawmakers left Gov. Stitt’s address with different feelings as they started the legislative session.

“There was a lot of on our feet applause and I really appreciate the governor and First Lady for what they’ve gotten done and the successes we celebrate with them,” said Blake Stephens, state senator from Tahlequah.

Stephens says he and other Republicans will focus on the governor’s calls for income tax cuts. He says there are right and wrong ways to get more money in the pockets of Oklahomans.

“We just want to be cognizant to all the things that play into this, so we make sure we do this the right way,” said Stephens.

In the House, some Democrats say eliminating income tax does not make any financial sense. She would like to see the tax continue, with the money raised going towards agencies benefiting all Oklahomans.

“Every time we ask anybody when they’re just trying to make it from day to day to pay personal income tax—that’s their investment in Oklahoma,” said Regina Goodwin, state representative from Tulsa.

Other opponents of the governor also criticized his income tax cut plan, saying it would only benefit the wealthiest Oklahomans and deplete the state of $250 million in revenue.