OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt gave the annual State of the State address on Monday. The address kicked off the 2023 legislative session.
Oklahoma’s budget and education are two of the biggest issues. After November’s election, Gov. Stitt and State Superintendent Ryan Walters said they’ll change education through school choice measures.
In his address, Gov. Stitt said he planned to propose several education initiatives in the executive budget, including education savings accounts, performance-based pay raises for teachers, a school fund to help start more schools like the Aviation Academy in Norman, and an expansive reading initiative.
Gov. Stitt will also seek to cut taxes, including the state’s grocery sales tax, bracing for a possible recession.
Gov. Stitt said he plans to propose eliminating Oklahoma’s state grocery tax and reduce personal income tax rate to 3.99 percent.
Gov. Stitt said the state’s rainy day fund is fuller now than it’s ever been, and he said it shows Oklahomans are now being overtaxed.
There are more than 2,000 bills on various topics and policies, including more bills on abortion.