The Oklahoma Capitol's Top Stories This Week

A new education plan was rolled out from the house, a bill on gender affirming care was introduced on the senate floor and we may be one step closer to seeing sports betting in the state. Governor Stitt held his first weekly press conference to talk about what's been introduced in the session so far, and what we can look forward to in the coming weeks.

“Our job is to make Oklahoma a top 10 state and let's have the greatest legislative session we can possibly have in 2023," said Gov. Stitt.

“I believe we need more schools not fewer schools, not every kid learns the same way. Let's empower parents," said Gov. Stitt.

In education, the House of Representatives rolled out their plan- calling for increased public school funds and a tax credit system. This is the third plan for education following State Superintendent Walters and the senate.

The governor was asked this morning which plan he thinks is the best.

“I'm not gonna get into the details on which one I support the most. I think we all three need to get together and kind of talk about these things," said Gov. Stitt.

A bill out of the house was heard this week that would legalize sports betting. Governor Stitt says he's been meeting with the tribes and stakeholders to ensure if sports betting makes it to his desk, everybody is on the same page.

“I'm not opposed to it at all as long as it's transparent, it's auditable, it's fair for Oklahoma, we look and see at what other states are doing," said Gov. Stitt.

Recreational marijuana is on the ballot for the March special election. We asked the governor his thoughts on legalizing recreational marijuana.

“The reason I think it's a bad idea is because it's still illegal federally and I believe the feds need to make a decision about marijuana," said Gov. Stitt.

He went on to say that it's already legal medically in the state, and that Oklahoma is still catching up from that legalization. He said marijuana is harmful to young people and that people need to realize the negative effects it can have.

Stitt also talked about some of the ongoing issues with the Oklahoma Veterans Commission.

“You've got a rogue agency director that's not showing up to meetings, not listening to the legislature," said Gov. Stitt. “If they gave me the authority I would fire the guy tomorrow because he's got $21 million that he's lost in the Salisol deal.”

Keep up with what’s happening at the Oklahoma capitol by tuning in to News 9.