Enid, Okla. – Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt delivered his State of the State address on Monday, outlining his vision and priorities as the 60th legislative session began. In a speech focused on government efficiency and economic growth, Stitt called on lawmakers to work with him on significant income tax cuts and introduced plans to streamline state operations.
One of the Governor’s major proposals was a reduction in the state’s income tax. Stitt argued that cutting the income tax would help ensure Oklahoma remains competitive and avoid the trap of becoming a high-tax state. His plan, dubbed “a half and a path,” calls for a half-point reduction in both individual and business income taxes, with the long-term goal of eventually eliminating the state income tax altogether.
“If we don’t act quickly, we are going to be left behind and we’ll be considered a high tax state,” Stitt warned. “I’m calling for a half-point cut and a path to zero income tax.”
In addition to his tax proposal, Governor Stitt unveiled a new initiative aimed at improving the efficiency of state government. He announced the creation of the Oklahoma Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE-OK), a new agency tasked with ensuring flat budgets and reducing the size of state government. Stitt stressed his commitment to limiting the growth of state spending and maintaining a leaner government, noting that he had already taken steps to reduce the number of state employees during his tenure.
“I also mandated an end to work-from-home policies for state employees to better serve the people of our state,” said Stitt. “I am committed to having fewer state employees than when I came into office.”
The Governor’s proposals sparked criticism from Senate Democrats, particularly regarding the creation of the new efficiency department. State Senator Carri Hick, D-Oklahoma City, pointed to the growth of Stitt’s administration budget as a contradiction to his calls for smaller government.
“His administration budget has grown by 121% during the same time,” Hick remarked. “If we want to look at efficiency and if we want to look at how big government should be, in his words, then I think it’s really interesting to see that his actions are not matching his words.”
As lawmakers prepare to debate these proposals, Governor Stitt’s State of the State address set the stage for what is expected to be a contentious and closely watched legislative session.
