Senate Pro Temp Greg Treat and other Republican state legislators respond to State of the State Address
Published: February 2nd, 2021
Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt delivered his third State of State address this week.
Charles McCall, R-Atoka, is the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Oklahoma State Representative Mike Osburn, R-Edmond.
The Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, where the legislative session commenced on February 1 with the governor's State of the State address
CapitolBeatOK
OKLAHOMA CITY — Responding to Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s State of the State speech, legislative Republicans have offered support for many of the chief executive’s comments.
In a staff release sent Monday afternoon (February 1) to CapitolBeatOK.com and other news organizations, Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, issued the following statement:
“I appreciate the optimism of Governor Stitt’s state of the state speech. Senate Republicans are ready to work with the governor and our House colleagues to help Oklahoma rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, grow and diversify our economy, help state government deliver services more efficiently to taxpayers, and invest in the people of Oklahoma. I appreciate the governor’s acknowledgment of the constitutional authority of each branch of government and look forward to working with him as the session progresses.”
In a staff press release, House Republicans also reacted favorably to several components in Stitt’s State of the State speech.
Concerning Gov. Stitt’s third speech to kick off a legislative session, House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, commented: “Governor Stitt’s leadership has Oklahoma positioned for big success this session. The governor will find strong support in the House for keeping the economy open, resuming in-person school, empowering parents and improving school finances. On those and all other issues, we appreciate and will reciprocate the governor’s pledge to work together and have a productive session for all Oklahomans.”
State Representative Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, commented on vaccination progress in her statement, sent to news organizations by the legislative communications staff: “I’m grateful Governor Stitt is actively encouraging Oklahomans to do their research and consider receiving the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to them. Herd immunity would allow Oklahomans to return to our schools, help our businesses thrive and return to our normal lives. I’m pleased our state is making significant strides in rolling out the vaccine.”
Reflecting views of some in the majority caucus of the House, Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said: “Every year our schools receive less money per student because our formula sends out money for ghost students, students that do not actually exist. We must end this practice of watering down school finances by funding schools based on the number of students they actually have in their classrooms.”
As for the governor aspiration for open transfer, Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, commented: “Our parents and children deserve to choose the education model that works best for their student, and I’m glad the governor is encouraging schools to offer multiple learning options. Our parents and students need the flexibility offered by open transfer, and a one-size-fits-all approach to education does not serve anybody’s best interest.”
And, state Rep. Mike Osburn, an Edmond Republican, applauded Stitt’s push for civil service reforms, saying, “It is very encouraging to hear Governor Stitt prioritize the type of civil service reform that can positively transform state government for employees, managers and – most importantly – the taxpaying citizens. Having worked on this issue for years, I am pleased Governor Stitt is at the table with all stakeholders this session to help get this to the finish line.”