Gov. Kevin Stitt delivered his eighth and final State of the State speech Monday, as he kicked off Oklahoma’s 2026 legislative session with his list of priorities: small government, insulation from expensive federal mandates, and more.
With about $12 billion to work with this year, not counting the state’s dwindling savings account, Stitt once again called for flat budgets across state agencies. He said budget discipline is especially important in light of federal mandates that could cost the state hundreds of millions in years to come.“Recent federal shutdowns and a $38 trillion federal debt show us that the federal government isn’t a reliable partner,” Stitt said. “It’s essential that we maintain a conservative financial position. Let’s be cautious with unfunded mandates, new agencies and new programs.”
Along those lines, Stitt called for Oklahomans to vote on a series of state questions: a cap on recurring agency appropriations at 3%, a freeze on property taxes statewide and a revamp of the state’s Medicaid system to meet mandates by Congress.
He also asked Oklahomans to reconsider the legalization of medical marijuana, which voters approved in 2018. Stitt said it had opened the door for an illicit market, including shady foreign business interests.
“Knowing what we know, it’s time to let Oklahomans bring safety and sanity back to their neighborhoods,” Stitt said. “Send the marijuana issue back to the vote of the people and shut it down.”
He proposed changes to Oklahoma’s education system that would prioritize school choice and make it easier for new charter schools to establish themselves. Stitt also suggested the governor, not voters, should select Oklahoma’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
“It keeps the focus on outcomes instead of politics,” Stitt said. “Leadership alignment matters.”
Stitt closed out his policy priorities by tribal sovereignty, saying all Oklahoma should have prime jurisdiction over all criminal and tax matters in the state. He said it’s a matter of equal opportunities for people of all races in Oklahoma.
“All laws should apply equally to all Oklahomans,” he said. “An Indian named Kevin Stitt shouldn’t be treated differently than a single mom of a different race.”
In response to Stitt’s speech, tribal leaders and Democratic lawmakers said tribal jurisdiction is an issue of treaty rights and court mandates, not race or identity.
This article was originally published by KOSU. You can see the original story and updates here.