Tag: Governor

Gambling deadline passes without any renegotiation

January 16, 2020

Two tribes agree to an eight-month extension Despite the expiration of the state gambling compact, Oklahoma’s tribal casino’s continued to operate in January as some tribes refused to extend the time to negotiate with Gov. Kevin Stitt. Under the 15-year-old compact, the tribes had exclusive rights to gambling operations in the state. Stitt wants a…

Oklahoma School Choice Week is January 26-February 1

January 16, 2020

(PRNewswire) – Gov. Stitt issued a proclamation declaring January 26-February 1 Oklahoma School Choice Week. In doing so, he joined dozens of other governors and hundreds of city and county leaders nationwide in recognizing the historic celebration of education. Oklahomans have planned 665 events and activities to celebrate opportunity in education during the Week, including…

Judge Rowe Nominated to SCO

November 28, 2019

Stitt nominates his second judge Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the appointment of Dustin P. Rowe to the Supreme Court of Oklahoma. This is Stitt’s second appointment to the state Supreme Court. Rowe’s appointment fills the vacancy for District 2 created by former Justice Patrick Wyrick’s appointment to become a federal judge on the United States…

Editorial: Greed, gambling and the governor

November 28, 2019

For the State of Oklahoma to sanction Las Vegas-style gambling at more than 140 tribal casinos is a public disgrace. Gambling denigrates any of the good things that the tribes have done in the state. The casinos siphon off billions of dollars each year and gambling ruins the lives of many, many Oklahomans – especially…

Gambling compact negotiations between Stitt/tribes stalled

November 21, 2019 Ray Carter

Gov. Kevin Stitt said state-tribal negotiations over casino compacts have reached an impasse, but said he remains committed to an improved agreement that will require state casino operators to pay market rates for monopoly gambling rights. “What does the casino industry pay in other states?” Stitt said. “What is market? That’s the fairest way to…

Oklahoma sets a national record with prisoner release

November 7, 2019

Democrats want more out Gov. Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board set a new national record by commuting 527 state inmates in a single day and allowing their release. The board considered 814 inmates’ cases during the special meeting which was held the first day HB 1269 took effect. The 2019 law…

Helping released prisoners re-adjust

October 17, 2019

OKLAHOMA CITY — A criminal justice program initiated by voters is bringing more opportunity for hundreds of non-violent Oklahoma inmates to become productive citizens. In preparation for the release of more than 700 current inmates in November, the governor’s office and several state agencies, volunteer organizations, and community partners, are working together to provide resources…

Stitt moves to eliminate contraband cellphones in prisons

October 10, 2019

Governor Kevin Stitt announced a new executive order to address the crises of contraband cellphones in state prisons across Oklahoma. Executive Order (EO) 2019-41 directs the Secretary of Public Safety, the Secretary of Digital Transformation and Administration and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) to research and implement technology solutions in order to eliminate the…

Gov. Stitts issues new oversight instructions

October 3, 2019

Gov. Kevin Stitt announced a new executive order to create stronger oversight and accountability for state agencies’ pursuit of new federal funds and other grant resources. Executive Order (EO) 2019-40 requires state agencies, boards or commissions to first submit any grant application for review to the office of the governor and for approval by the…

Gov. Stitt forms state committee to help with the census

September 5, 2019

Governor Kevin Stitt kicked off the 2020 Census Symposium on August 26 at MetroTech Conference Center with the announcement of Executive Order 2019-32, which establishes the Oklahoma Census 2020 Complete Count Committee. “A complete and accurate count of Oklahoma’s population is vital to the success of our state,” said Stitt. “With this Executive Order, I…