OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — From education reform to immigration and reducing income tax, Governor Kevin Stitt addressed Oklahomans for the seventh time in his 2025 State of the State.
As he highlighted achievements from his last six years in office, Stitt also laid out his plans to foster a stronger Oklahoma than ever before.
To begin, the governor outlined four key principles that he believes should be followed to make the American Dream possible in Oklahoma.
- Protect Oklahoma taxpayers
- Be the best state for business
- Safeguard savings
- Protect the Oklahoma way of life
To follow the first principle, Stitt called for what he calls a half and a path. This would be a half-point cut to individual and business income tax to put the state on the path to zero income tax.
"If we don’t act quickly, we are going to be left behind, and we’ll be considered a high tax state," said Stitt. "I like to remind the naysayers when we cut taxes, the money doesn’t disappear. It simply stays in Oklahomans’ pockets and gets reinvested in our economy. In times of excess revenue, Oklahomans should keep more of their hard-earned money. That is how we keep pace with our competition and protect Oklahoma taxpayers.”
The second principle is seemingly of big focus to the governor.
“By being the best state for business, we’re paving the way to be the best state for education, the best state for infrastructure, and the best state for families," said Stitt.
In 2024, 274 businesses opened or expanded existing businesses across the state. More than 31,000 new jobs were created by entrepreneurs, Stitt said.
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"This is not an accident," he said. "Here in Oklahoma, we have business friendly policies and the most affordable, reliable energy anywhere thanks to limited government, common sense, and clean burning natural gas."
Stitt also wanting to sign a bill to create more internships and apprenticeships to get Oklahoma students career ready, and build an instate workforce.
In accordance with President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficient, Gov. Stitt announced the launching of DOGE-OK to focus on Oklahoma's budgeting.
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Another accomplishment, an investment from the Federal government in Google's data center in Pryor.
"In my last state of the state, I said I wanted Oklahoma to be the high- tech data center capital of the world, that vision is becoming reality," the governor said. "A few weeks ago, President Trump announced a $20 billion dollar investment in data centers across the country – and Oklahoma is on that list."
Stitt, calling on an issue top of mind for many Americans - immigration.
The governor voicing his support for President Donald Trump and his efforts of reform.
"I sent our National Guard troops to Texas to help secure the southern border," said Stitt. "I launched Operation Guardian here in Oklahoma to help keep communities safe. I instructed Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Tipton and Department of Corrections Director Steve Harpe to be ready to assist the Trump administration as they begin deporting those who have committed crimes while here illegally.”
Looking at 2025, Gov. Stitt has his sights set on affordable energy and education improvements.
One way he plans to tackle the state's plethora of issues in Oklahoma schools is by eliminating virtual days.
"I’ve had parents from all over the state reach out to me with concerns about virtual school days," he said. “In some places in Oklahoma, kids are only required to be in their seats at school for 148 days a year. For comparison, Kansas students are in their seats for 186 days every year.”
Stitt also giving a nod to Bixby Superintendent Rob Miller, for implementing phone free classrooms. He said there is a need for more of that across the state.
All of this, an effort made by the governor to ensure the American Dream is possible in Oklahoma.
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