Stitt Continues To Battle Senate Over Education Bills, Vetoes OETA Funding

Another deadline week has passed and we’re less than a month away from session. With the continued stalemate between the Senate and governor, it’s still unclear when the lawmakers will come to an agreement on an education plan.

“I've been very, very clear,” said Governor Stitt.

Governor Stitt vetoed over two dozen bills in the last few days and says he will continue vetoing Senate bills if they don’t develop tax and education reform.

“Until we get tax cuts, until we get parent choice done, we're not going to do all this other stuff,” said Stitt.

The same day Stitt promised to continue with vetoes, the Senate passed a tax credit and teacher pay raise bill.

“The governor said- send me a standalone school choice bill. We have delivered,” said Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat.

“This should have happened a month ago, but now we're actually getting somewhere,” said Stitt.

When asked if this would stop Stitt’s continuous vetoing of Senate bills, Stitt answered, “I don't know- stay tuned.”

After they moved on school choice, the Senate denied two of Stitt’s cabinet members: the Secretary of Health and Mental Health services, and the Secretary of Commerce. Pro Tem Treat said after the governor used his veto power, the Senate chose to use its appointment power.

“It's disappointing that sometimes politics gets involved here,” said Stitt.

Also getting caught up in the politics, dozens of Senate bills including a bill for substance abuse services, college athletes, victim protective orders, and many more.

“Let's get those two things done then we’ll be happy to talk about some other things in the budget,” said Stitt.

This week, Stitt vetoed the bill that would continue funding for OETA, saying the channel shows inappropriate content.

“That to me is an outdated system, it may have had its place in 1957. Why are we spending taxpayer dollars to prop up the OETA? It makes no sense to me. I don't think Oklahomans want to use their tax dollars to indoctrinate kids,” said Stitt.

Here is a list of shows the governor’s office sent that they found inappropriate on OETA:

1. Parents Defend Child Transitions on PBS
2. OETA Airs Animated Kids Program “Work it Out Wombats!”, Features Lesbian Parents
3. 2020 Episode of “Clifford the Big Red Dog” Featured Gay Marriage, Nominated for GLAAD Award
4. OETA Offering Pride Month Programming
5. “LGBTQIA2S+” Voices
6. Attempt to “Dismantle Stereotypes” by Shining Light on Christian Drag Queen with “The Gospel of Eureka”
7. Numerous Children’s Shows Featuring Gay Couples

Most recently, Stitt vetoed a Senate bill dealing with NIL deals for college athletes in the state. The bill would make college athletics in the state more competitive on a national level. Stitt says it wasn’t a priority to him compared to tax cuts and education plans. 

“I have a hard time going along to get along with all of these side projects and promoting college athletics and this and that,” said Stitt.

Seemingly back to square one, with three different education plans at the Capitol, Governor Stitt is staying optimistic they’ll find a compromise over the next month of session.

“I know it feels like there's a little bit of fighting going on, but I believe we're going to get something done,” said Stitt.