State Of The State Response: Democrats Say Gov. Stitt’s Education Plan Takes Resources Away From Public Schools

The third major goal of the Governor for this session is driving excellence in Education. This year his plans lean heavily on school choice. Oklahoma Democrats say Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt’s education plan puts public school programs at risk.

"Let’s fund students, not systems,” said Stitt, during Monday’s State of the State address. 

Not everyone inside the Oklahoma legislature agreed with Stitt’s plans.    

“Old, tired ideas that we tried long ago,” said Rep. Melissa Provenzano, (D) District 79, assistant minority leader. 

Stitt’s State of the State address focused in part on his plan for Oklahoma education.   

“Parents spoke loud and clear at the ballot box last November in support of our vision to create more options for kids,” Stitt said. 

Stitt wants to continue investing money into school vouchers. Provenzano said vouchers take money away from children in public schools.   

“The governor’s plan for vouchers will put public school programs like sports, band, art, advanced placement courses, courses for special needs students at risk and in jeopardy -- and would wash away funding for our rural schools. Leaving our kids out to dry,” Provenzano said. 

Both parties agreed teachers need to earn more money. Oklahoma trails the rest of the country for starting salaries for teachers according to the National Education Association. However, Stitt said teachers should get raises based on performance, an opinion not all agree with.   

“It causes teachers to fight with each other,” said Rep. Andy Fugate, (D) District 94, minority floor leader.  

Democratic lawmakers argue performance-based pay will cause teachers to leave schools located in communities where poverty is a daily battle.  

“Instead of staying in the classrooms where we need them the most,” Fugate said.  

Oklahoma Democrats argue Stitt’s plan for education doesn’t meet the needs of everyone.  

“I don’t think what he said was a surprise to any of us,” said Rep. Cyndi Munson, (D) District 85, house minority leader.  

Two places where both sides of the aisle came together include -- getting rid of the grocery tax and finding work for people who were recently released from incarceration.