TULSA, Okla. — Gov. Kevin Stitt was sworn in for his second term as governor of Oklahoma on Monday.
In a familiar phrase from his campaign and previous inauguration, Stitt centered his speech around making Oklahoma a top 10 state.
With lawmakers, family members, and dignitaries behind him, he reflected on his previous four years. He credited his leadership for teacher and law enforcement pay raises, and a larger savings.
“We built the largest savings account in Oklahoma's history, turning budget deficits into nearly a $4 billion savings account, “ he said.
He also reflected on the pandemic. And, while unproven, connected new Census data showing more people moving to Oklahoma to more lenient COVID-19 restrictions than other states.
“Because when other states shut down, Oklahoma chose freedom and personal responsibility,” he said.
Moving forward, Stitt says he plans to push for further reducing taxes.
With dozens of students from Oklahoma schools in attendance, he acknowledged the state’s need to improve education. 2 News Oklahoma streamed the ceremony and you can watch here:
“It's time to re-think education in Oklahoma," he said. "It's time for the tough conversations to address what's working and what is not."
Tyler David was there to support his mom, newly-election Corporation Commissioner Kim David. He applauded the governor’s speech.
“He hit a lot of notes that Oklahomans were initially worried about,” he said.
The Senate Democratic leader Cyndi Munson responded to his speech.
"While I share Gov. Stitt’s enthusiasm for improving the lives of every Oklahoman, his first term did little to move our state forward. We still rank 45th in public school funding, 48th in access to healthcare, and just last year were cited as the worst state for women to live in the entire country. The facts don’t lie and we are nowhere near a top 10 state after 4 years of Gov. Stitt.
"Gov. Stitt also implied that our state was one of the best for business relocation,” said Munson. “21% of Oklahoma children live in poverty. 65% of Oklahoma’s population doesn’t have access to childcare. We have one of the strictest abortion bans in the country. As we saw just last year with the Panasonic deal, businesses are choosing not to move here. Until we take action to ensure that all Oklahomans have access to a strong public education, affordable healthcare, good paying jobs, and are treated with dignity, then we will be closed for business.”
I look forward to working with Gov. Kevin Stitt and my colleagues across the aisle to find solutions that work for every Oklahoman, not just the few at the top.”
Stitt won re-election to a 2nd term in November. He is the fifth Oklahoma governor to serve two terms. 2 News Oklahoma's Erin Christy attended the inauguration in Oklahoma City.
Inaugural celebrations started Friday with a ball at the BOK Center in Tulsa.
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