An even more popular reform is Governor Stitt’s proposal of saving money for the state’s rainy-day fund.  When voters are told of the 574 million dollar increase in certification of funds, 73% agree with Stitt’s proposal to saving at least 200 million into the state’s savings account.  “Everyone should pay attention to the question wording here,” McFerron said.  “In this question we made the argument that the state should spend the money to make-up for past underfunding.  Even with this note, a strong supermajority of voters still favor saving over spending.”
  
“Fully 84% of Republicans and 87% of those Republicans who regularly vote in primary elections favor the savings plan,” McFerron continued. “And this is a message that unites both urban and rural Oklahomans with more than 70% of each group supporting saving at least $200 million.”

“We are excited about the results of this poll,” said Harlow.  “As advocates for Oklahoma consumers, we want a state government which is responsive to them.  This polling shows that support for these two priorities of the Stitt administration is one way to give Oklahomans what they desire.”

The survey of Oklahoma registered voters was conducted by live agents on both land and mobile lines.  It was controlled for gender, age of respondent, partisan affiliation, and region of the state so that it accurately reflects the Oklahoma electorate.  Conducted March 12-15, 2019, the survey of 400 registered voters has a margin of error of +/- 4.9%.   Full question wording is below.
 
1. As you may know, Governor Stitt and legislative leaders recently announced they had reached a compromise agreement which will give the Oklahoma governor’s office more control over the key agency boards.  These nine-member boards will now be comprised of five gubernatorial appointments and four from legislative leaders who will serve at the will of whoever appoints them.  This will allow any governor in Oklahoma to have more control and responsibility for actions of these agencies instead of the way it is now where the appointments can last for years and overlap from one governor to the next, meaning a new governor may not gain control of an agency for six years or more.  From what you know, do you approve or disapprove of this new approach?

58%​ Approve
28%​ Disapprove
14% Undecided
 
2. As you may know, the state equalization board has certified that the state legislature will have $574 million more to spend this year than last year.  Governor Stitt has proposed saving at least $200 million of these dollars into the state’s rainy-day fund savings account, while others say the state should spend all of this money to make-up for past underfunding.  Do you favor or oppose Governor’ Stitt’s proposal to save at least $200 million?

73%​ Favor
20%​ Oppose
 7% ​ Undecided

It is such an honor to be with you today. I’d like to take a moment to recognize the honored guests with us:

Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, statewide elected officials, President Pro Temp Greg Treat, Speaker Charles McCall, Speaker Pro Temp Harold Wright, members of the 57th Legislature, cabinet members, Chief Justice Noma Gurich and members of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, tribal leaders, friends, guests, my beloved First Lady – Sarah, my six children, my parents, and the most important audience – my fellow Oklahomans.

I stand before you today to offer a vision for Oklahoma’s future that gives purpose and direction for how our new administration will lead the state. My vision for Oklahoma is very clear and simple: to make Oklahoma Top Ten. My purpose is to work with you to deliver a turnaround that ensures a better future for all four million Oklahomans. I believe it is a purpose we all share in this room today.

Before we get into the details of my very first budget, I want to discuss how we position Oklahoma well for a “turnaround” by defining the term and the expectations for this vision.

Oklahoma’s “turnaround” is when our state stops moving in the direction of decline and begins moving in the direction we want to go: to be Top Ten in the nation. To get there, it will require three steps:

First – We must bring together people from across the state, with various backgrounds, skills and talents, to serve in critical leadership roles.

Second – We must set measurable goals and put metrics in place so every state employee, agency leader, member of my administration, and each of you in our Legislature can be part of one team with one vision.

Third – We must hold ourselves responsible for delivering results and reimagine the possibilities. I’ve said it before, Oklahoma’s challenges are no different than any other state – and Oklahoma’s opportunities, I believe, are the best in the nation.

Going through this process will put Oklahoma on the path to be Top Ten. And if anyone thinks that becoming Top Ten is just a campaign slogan, let me tell you, this turnaround is already under way with individuals who are delivering Top Ten outcomes in their own classrooms, communities, and industries.

Consider Donna Gradel – An environmental teacher in Broken Arrow Public Schools. Two weeks ago, she was named one of the Top Four teachers in the nation. Donna reimagined the classroom. She moved beyond the textbook by taking her classroom outside to partner with the city of Broken Arrow to clean public water and by taking the classroom to the world by developing a system to provide sustainable food sources to orphans in Kenya.

Donna, thank you for being here today.

Consider the Gathering Place – USA Today named it the number one place in America to visit in 2019. It is an example of public-private partnership. Where 55 acres stretched across the Tulsa river front, the George Kaiser Family Foundation reimagined a free park that is bringing together all ages, races, and categories of people to enjoy Tulsa.

Consider the Oklahoma Youth Expo Community. In the early 2000s, this youth livestock show was struggling to survive, but donors, Oklahoma families, and the Legislature came together, assessed their resources, and reimagined the program. Today, OYE is not just the #1 junior livestock show in America, it is the largest in the world. Today, OYE garners young participants from all 77 counties, awards hundreds of thousands of dollars in education scholarships and has shown a $22 million economic impact on Oklahoma City.

These are just a few examples of Oklahomans who brought together a team, set measurable goals, reimagined the possibilities, and executed on their vision to deliver Top Ten results.

Today, as I present my first budget, I ask you to join me in reimagining. Today, as we consider the state of our state, Oklahomans are presented with revenue growth of potentially $600 million, a 3.6 percent unemployment rate, rising wages and a spirit of optimism.

This is because of Oklahomans who are working hard, taking risks, opening new businesses, and creating jobs. The government does not create wealth, only the private sector can. In my administration, every policy decision will promote a healthy economy.

I want to also recognize President Pro Temp Greg Treat and Speaker Charles McCall who provided committed leadership over the past few years to make hard decisions to demonstrate our state’s support of core services that Oklahomans and job creators rely on. As I promised on the campaign trail, I brought them in to our process of reimagining the budget.

As I outline my administration’s priorities this year, I want to make it clear: as elected officials, we will not always agree on the specifics of every policy – and that’s ok. We are each elected for different reasons and because of specific issues.

But you will always find my office willing to work with you and to be open minded on policy differences, because what unites us in this room is that we are committed to reimagining how we can do state government better and deliver a brighter future for Oklahomans.

First, let’s reimagine state government. Our state Constitution vests supreme executive power in the Office of the Governor, but too often that executive power has been delegated by statute to boards that are not directly accountable to the citizens of Oklahoma. State government today is much larger than it was 112 years ago. As a result, accountability for those in power is spread too thin and, at times, it seems as of no one is really in charge.

The Health Department’s crisis in 2017 taught us this lesson, and the Legislature wisely restructured the agency’s board into an advisory role and gave the executive branch the authority to fire and hire a new leader. Let’s not wait for another crisis to start making this necessary reform across our largest agencies.

Oklahomans want three things: accountability, transparency, and results. I know the legislature wants it too.

Both Senate and House leadership are committed to addressing the structure of our state’s largest agencies so that government is held more accountable to the people. By granting the governor hiring authority, you will know exactly where the buck stops – at my desk.

But reform should not stop here. We will also seek to remove board members across state government when they have conflicts of interest. And we will look to sunset and consolidate boards and commissions where there is overlap and duplication. This is common sense reform.

My budget will prioritize funding to continue performance audits of the top 12 agencies. We will fund this effort by immediately recalling the $30 million that was given to the Health Department after the agency misrepresented their financial standing to the Legislature.

We will also reimagine state government so that our customers – Oklahoma taxpayers – are the primary focus. This is why I have placed a special emphasis in my administration on the digital transformation of state agencies. Today, I am calling for the Legislature to fund a $20 million grant program where agencies can apply to receive funds to bring their services into the 21stCentury and to make government more customer-centered and efficient.

Imagine digital driver licenses that are Real ID compliant. Imagine titles available electronically. Imagine one site to obtain occupational licenses and one site to pay taxes. It is time to get it done.

It is time to improve our government’s “D+” ranking in digital transparency and for the state government’s checkbook to be online, up to date, and easy to navigate. It is time for an online dashboard where you can monitor my administration’s progress on performance metrics we will set for delivering state services.

Turning our attention to education, my administration is committed to public education and understands that the large majority of our students attend public schools. Over the next few years, we will move the needle in outcomes. We will set high standards. We will enact reforms. We will invest in the classroom.

But we must first continue our investment in the teacher, because it’s not programs, curriculum, or resources that students will remember. The magic happens between the student and the teacher in the classroom.

We are confronted with a nationwide teacher shortage. This is not a problem unique to our state, but Oklahoma was among the hardest hit. With recent revenue growth, I aks the Legislature to bring our teachers to number one in our region in pay and benefits. This amounts to a $1,200 increase per teacher.

I am also calling for the Legislature to funds a bonus recruitment program, up to $5 million, to encourage certified teachers to stay in Oklahoma after graduating college, to return to the classroom after a hiatus, or to move to Oklahoma for the first time.

I applaud Representative Rhonda Baker’s collaboration to get this effort underway, and I appreciate House Minority Leader Emily Virgin and her caucus for their support of a continued pay increases for our teachers.

We must also standardize the certification test for Oklahoma’s teachers, get rid of the five-year renewal fee, and reduce unnecessary paperwork and bureaucracy on high-performing schools and instead shift resources to help schools who need it the most.

But these reforms and continued investment from the state will not be enough to make Oklahoma’s education system competitive. We must do the hard work of reimagining education.

Consider Cecilia Robinson-Woods, the Superintendent of the Millwood School District in Oklahoma City. After assessing the resources and unique challenges of her district, Cecilia reimagined ways to recruit and retain talent in her classrooms. It was important that teachers were not just skilled in their profession, but that they also were passionate leaders who could shape the culture of their schools and district. Cecilia partnered with Teach for America, utilized opportunities offered under state law, and implemented a new reading program. Today, the Millwood School District has seen dramatic, positive progress in outcomes.

Cecilia, thank you for being here today.

We must also look at ways to better stabilize the funding of public education. The fact that Texas is preparing to pass a teacher pay increase – at a cost of $3.7 billion – compels us to review and reform our state’s funding formula and to take the handcuffs off local communities wanting to compete, recruit, and retain the very best teachers. We must chart a bold course that allows for communities to do more for their students without being penalized with the loss of state support.

State government cannot fix education’s funding needs alone. We must stand arm-in-arm with communities, cities, and counties. Oklahoma is stronger when we are all working together.

The process of reforming the formula demands a reimagining of school districts so we can ensure not just equal funding per student, but also equal opportunity. This will take time to study what other states are doing, what is working, and what challenges we must address that are unique to Oklahoma. I am committed to be a continuous learner in this area and a leader in the discussion.

We must not forget that education should be first and foremost about our students, not about systems. I will sign into law any legislation that seeks to break down the silos between common education, career techs, and higher education so that we can better align the education experience for Oklahoma’s children and prepare them for tomorrow’s workforce of machinists, computer programmers, engineers, and more.

Next, let us take a moment to reimagine our state’s criminal justice system. We are number one in the nation for incarceration. To move the needle, it will require us to change the way we see the person who is in a cycle of incarceration for non-violent crimes.

Many years ago, I was introduced to Melinda who held the titles of daughter, mom, and fellow Oklahoman – but to the prison system, she was a drug offender. When I met her, she was looking for hope, for a better life for her son, and for an opportunity to change course.

Today, she has been an employee at Gateway for more than 13 years. Her entry into the workforce was key to remaining sober and to becoming a thriving individual in our society. Melinda’s story of redemption was possible because of a community of people who stepped in, walked with her, and gave her opportunity.

Melinda, you are why I believe in second chances. Thank you for being here today.

There can be more stories of redemption like hers. It is why my budget requests:

$1.5 million to Women in Recovery, a public-private partnership to help women identify the roots of their addictions and develop life skills, and $10 million to the County Community Safety Investment Fund, a criminal justice reform initiative the people of Oklahoma approved with SQ 781.

But money is not the sole action government must take. I am encouraged by legislation in the House to accomplish licensing reform for those with a felony. We must give Oklahomans re-entering society more opportunities to be gainfully employed and we must give employers more discretion on who they can hire.

We must also remember the people who work hard every day to keep our correctional facilities clean, safe, and operating. They are on the front lines of delivering core government services, and as revenue continues to improve, I urge us to consider ways we can better improve their work conditions and compensation.

In my budget, we will also use revenue growth to address two critical healthcare programs in Oklahoma: The Graduate Medical Expense Program to train doctors, a cost of $62 million, and the Children Health Insurance Program, a cost of $14.8 million.

These programs remind us why we must be judicious and thoughtful about seeking federal funds. In Fiscal Year 2020, these two programs alone will cost the State of Oklahoma $77 million that the federal government once paid – a 6.8 percent increase to the healthcare authority’s budget. When Washington, D.C. wants to end a program, we are left holding the bag and covering the cost.

While Medicaid expansion currently stops at a 90 percent federal match, we cannot assume that it will remain this high forever. The estimated $150 million price tag today for Oklahoma to expand Medicaid could leave us down the road fronting more than $1 billion when the federal government pulls back on its commitment. They’ve done it before and they will do it again.

Medicaid is the fastest growing expense in our state budget, and before we commit our state to accepting even more Medicaid dollars, Oklahomans deserve accountability and transparency with our state’s management of the Healthcare Authority.

Oklahoma is the only state in the nation where the governor does not have the authority to provide oversight of this agency. We are sticking out like a sore thumb, and this must change.

Healthcare is also preventative, promoting wellness through education, personal responsibility, and raising awareness. Today, I am announcing my partnership with the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon to hold a Governor’s Relay Challenge, and I invite you to join me! I’ll be forming my own team to compete in the relay, and the team that wins will join me for lunch at the Governor’s Mansion later this year.

Let’s now move to the economy. In order to make our efforts in state government sustainable, we must first grow Oklahoma. We need more taxpayers, not more taxes.

We will reimagine our economy by diversifying our marketplace, strengthening our workforce, and encouraging Oklahomans to start new businesses. Our rules must be clear, our regulations must make sense, and our tax code must remain competitive with our neighbors.

At the Department of Commerce, I have hired the very best talent in the state to lead this critical agency, and they have set measurable goals and are running hard to tell the world Oklahoma is open for business.

To best equip the agency’s mission, I ask the Legislature to support additional funds for the governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund. Since its inception, the state has granted $11 million in total awards which attracted high paying jobs with the Macy’s large distribution center in Owasso, with Boeing’s relocation of the Aircraft Modernization and Sustainment business unit, and with the Commercial Metals Company in Durant and many more.

Today, the balance of Oklahoma’s Quick Action Closing Fund is $4.3 million. By comparison, the latest legislative report for the Texas Enterprise Fund indicates the state has awarded $609 million from its Quick Action Closing Fund, resulting in 94,347 jobs. In Arkansas, their fund has awarded over $120 million, resulting in 26,684 jobs.

You can help me sign on the dotted line for new opportunities to grow Oklahoma and demonstrate to the nation that Oklahoma is not afraid to compete with our neighbors and that we intend to win!

As we close our time together, let’s end by reimagining our state budget. I promised Oklahomans that we would get to the bottom of every tax dollar and I promised to be transparent and open about the budget process.

For the first time in recent history, the governor’s budget provides you with every tax dollar we could find across the 12 largest agencies, which are spending 90 percent of the state’s total budget. It is important we talk in total dollars. This was the one consistent request I heard from Oklahomans across the campaign trail.

In this budget packet I have also included agencies’ current performance goals. As we move forward together this year, my administration will be working with agencies to hire the best people, raise accountability, and deliver measurable results.

My vision for the budget is for it to become a meaningful resource each year, to establish a common language for lawmakers and tax payers and create a transparent budget process.

Now, as we dig into the numbers, instead of across the board increases in FY’20, my budget addresses more than $230 million in obligations and another $151 million in critical needs.

My budget also casts a bold goal for our state’s savings account, I have said often why I believe the state needs $2 billion in savings.

When we look at states where the economy depends on the price of oil, they place a strong emphasis on saving during the good years. One thing we know is true, oil prices are going to go up and oil prices are going to go down.

When energy prices tumble, it directly impacts the state’s Sales Tax collection, the state’s Income Tax collection, the Gross Production Tax, and various other revenue streams. We must be honest with ourselves and recognize that last year’s tax increases made us more dependent on the price of oil. We must be good fiscal stewards of this decision by creating more stability through savings.

At the end of FY’19, our Rainy-Day Fund will have approximately $874 million with no additional support from a stabilization fund often seen in oil-rich states. Meanwhile, Texas has $12.5 billion in total savings to weather another economic downturn. North Dakota’s total savings is more than $5.8 billion.

This is why I am setting a goal for Oklahoma to have $1 billion in our savings by the end of FY’20. To get there, we must set aside an additional $250 million from revenue growth.

Being conservative with our budget surplus today will protect Oklahoma from having to cut core services in the future.

As I close, let us remember, the future doesn’t just happen. We make it happen. As public servants, our responsibility and purpose are to ensure a better future for all four million Oklahomans. This will require us to be good listeners, continuous learners, committed communicators, and bold leaders – both inside the building and around the state.

Our vision is to make Oklahoma Top Ten.

Join me! As we work together, we will move our whole state forward.

God bless you and God bless the State of Oklahoma!

“Play to your strengths.”

“I haven’t got any,” said Harry, before he could stop himself.

“Excuse me,” growled Moody, “you’ve got strengths if I say you’ve got them.”

Over the last few years, there have been a lot of Oklahoman’s down on their home state. As your new Lt. Governor, I’m ready to move in a more positive direction. That starts with looking at our current strengths. Tourism is not just one of those strengths, it’s an economic force in Oklahoma. 

Economic development professionals shouldn’t speak of tourism as a lesser goal than other traded businesses. Too many towns are focused on luring that “big score” company that they believe will solve all their problems. Those wins are great, but any business that attracts money from outside the region will improve prosperity within the region, and that includes tourism dollars. Tourism, it has been said, is the front door to economic development. Tourism advertising and visits create a “halo effect” that has a positive impact on our overall image and creates economic development opportunities. Bottom-line: When we can get people to Oklahoma, they’re impressed. And the good news is, people are coming here.

As recently reported, visitors pumped $9 billion into the state economy over the past year. That’s a 4.4-percent increase over the year prior. Even with a shrinking Tourism Department budget, state tax collections from tourism have jumped by an impressive 20 percent since 2010. That translates to more than 100,000 jobs, with a payroll of $2.3 billion.

Tourism is already the third largest industry in the state, but I believe we’re just scratching the surface. We have a valuable opportunity to talk about our amazing 200 lakes, wildlife, rich tribal heritage, small town charm, and more miles of the most famous road in America in Route 66. We can – and must – do better.

Governor Stitt and I are well aware of the big issues facing Oklahoma from education to healthcare to infrastructure. Promoting our great tourism industry and developing a uniform brand for our state plays a role in that bigger picture.

So Oklahoma, don’t tell me you don’t have any strengths. You’ve got strengths if I say you’ve got them…and you’ve got one in tourism.

Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell was recently named Oklahoma Secretary of Tourism and Branding.

FIRST LADY SARAH STITT ANNOUNCES DETAILS FOR UPCOMING SCISSORTAIL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

Tulsa, Okla. (Jan. 2, 2019) – Incoming First Lady Sarah Stitt announced today new details for the Scissortail Children’s Festival, a preinaugural celebration taking place from 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 12 at the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks.

“The Scissortail Children’s Festival is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the future of our great state while also reflecting on Oklahoma’s history through educational activities and entertainment,” said Stitt. “We will be giving away 300 festival tickets to children in foster care, and all ticket sales will be donated to non-profits supporting these children and the families who open their heart and a safe home to those in need.

Tickets are $25 per family unit and must be purchased in advance at www.OklahomaTurnaround.com.

More than 300 tickets will be donated to children and families in the foster care system through James Mission and Tulsa Advocates for the Protection of Children (TAPC). All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the following Oklahoma-based non-profits: Lilyfield, Pepper’s Ranch, James Mission and TAPC.

Stitt continued, “This event holds a special place in my heart. It is a time to come together as one state to support those in need in our communities and focus on the progress we can make when we are unified under a shared vision to strengthen families and give all of Oklahoma’s children a hope and a bright future.”

The Scissortail Children’s Festival will include activities focused on educating attendees on the history of Oklahoma through craft stations, scavenger hunts, storytelling, and face painting.

Entertainment during the festival will feature the following Oklahoma-based talent:

• Tulsan Magician Steve Lancaster
• Marty Tipton, a trick roger and cowboy humorist known as the “Oklahoma Kid”
• Clark Youth Cabaret, Tulsa’s longest running youth arts program outside the public schools
• Osage Children’s Ballet
• Princesses from Miss Oklahoma and Miss Teen Oklahoma
• Discovery Lab scientists from the OKC Science Museum
• Ella Phillips, a Tulsa youth singer performing the Star Spangled Banner
• Brayden Jamison, a Tulsa youth musician performing God Bless America
• Pistol Pete mascot from Oklahoma State University and Boomer mascot from the University of Oklahoma

Scissortail Children’s Festival sponsors include Educational Development Corporation, who will be donating 800 copies of the book Wonders of the USA to attendees, Tulsa Yard Greetings, and Cookie Doodle.

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GOVERNOR-ELECT KEVIN STITT ANNOUNCES SECRETARY OF COMMERCE AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, NAMES COMMERCE DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Oklahoma City, Okla. (Jan. 3, 2019) – Governor-elect Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Sean Kouplen as the next Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development, a cabinet position that will require Senate confirmation, and the hiring of Brent Kisling as the next executive director of the Department of Commerce.

“Sean Kouplen is a proven business leader and entrepreneur, full of vision, energy and passion for seeing our state thrive and achieve Top Ten status. His reputation and network, both in the state and nationwide, will help propel Oklahoma forward to achieve a robust recruitment agenda,” said Stitt. “Brent Kisling will provide a dynamic partnership with Kouplen, bringing a successful record of developing rural economies, crafting and executing major infrastructure projects and recruiting new job creators to our state. With their leadership, the Department of Commerce will play an integral role in Oklahoma’s Turnaround as the agency’s mission will focus on growing our state and diversify Oklahoma’s economy.”

Upon confirmation, Sean Kouplen will serve on the governor’s cabinet in an unpaid capacity, casting vision for the Commerce Department and playing a strategic leadership role in recruiting business growth and in the developmentof Oklahoma’s workforce.

Kouplen will also continue his role as Chairman and CEO of Regent Bank in Tulsa. Under Kouplen’s leadership, the bank has grown in size from $72 million to almost $600 million in assets since 2008. Kouplen has been named Central U.S. Community Banker of the Year, Oklahoma Small Business Financial Champion, one of Journal Record’s Most Admired CEO’s, Citizen of the Year in Bixby, Top National Young Alumni by his fraternity, and Top 100 MBA of the Century by Oklahoma State University (OSU).  Kouplen has held numerous local and statewide leadership positions and currently serves on the Board of Directors for MetaFund, Hillcrest South Hospital, OSU Foundation, SouthPoint Church and is a member of Young President’s Organization and Oklahoma Bankers Association. Kouplen holds B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from OSU.

“I am excited to work with the outstanding professionals in the Department of Commerce to grow Oklahoma’s economy. Our goals are to aggressively target businesses to expand in Oklahoma and educate all Oklahoma business and community leaders about our excellent economic and community development programs,” said Kouplen. “As a business owner and CEO, I bring a very pragmatic, strategic approach to the position. We will target those businesses, inside and outside the state of Oklahoma, who are most likely to expand here. We will also work hard to tell our story to fellow Oklahomans.  Our state has many remarkable business success stories and we want to highlight those and inspire the next generation of Oklahomans to stay right here and do great things.”

As Executive Director, Brent Kisling will oversee the operations of the Department of Commerce and will report to the secretary of commerce. Kisling is currently the executive director of Enid Regional Development Alliance where he is has worked since March 2009. Previously, Kisling served 8 years as the State Director for the USDA Rural Development in Oklahoma, an appointed position under the George W. Bush Administration. From 2001 to 2009, he oversaw the rural housing, utilities, and business programs statewide. Kisling has also served as the Chair of Leadership Oklahoma, the Governor’s Economic Development Marketing Team, the Oklahoma Economic Development Council, the Career Tech Foundation Board, and the OSU Ag Alumni Board.  In 2008, he was named one of the Top 40 Achievers Under 40 in Oklahoma by The Journal Record. Kisling is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and a resident of Enid where he is raising his two children with his wife, Jennifer.

“Brent will do an amazing job as Executive Director,” said Kouplen. “He is a very well-respected leader and economic development professional in our state. Brent will direct the Department of Commerce on a day-to-day basis while I will provide strategic support and focus my time on telling Oklahoma’s story and actively recruiting new business.  We will function together much like a Chairman and CEO in a business setting.”

“Sean and I have been friends for many years and I am thrilled to be working with him to help create an environment for businesses to grow in our state,” said Kisling. “Our vision for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce is to aggressively work with our state’s legacy companies to add jobs and investment and to actively pursue new industries to locate here.  We will work closely with local communities by providing creativity, support, and incentives to help them prosper.  Our job is to tell the world about Oklahoma’s many competitive advantages including our strong quality of life, low cost of doing business, low tax burden and excellent workforce.”

The following are quotes of support for the appointment of Sean Kouplen:

“Governor-elect Stitt has made an excellent choice in selecting Sean Kouplen as his Secretary of Commerce.  Sean is a creative and innovative leader.  Not only has he led his bank to dramatic growth, but he is also a devoted family man and serves his community in many capacities.  Sean will lead the way in developing new economic opportunities for Oklahoma and will provide wise counsel on the Governor’s cabinet.” 

– President Burns Hargis, president of Oklahoma State University

“Sean Kouplen has been a close friend for many years and he is a person with tremendous integrity, energy and business acumen. He is a selfless community leader who has built one of the country’s top community banking organizations. His creativity and drive will undoubtedly propel Oklahoma into a top economic growth state.”

– Jim Bridenstine, administrator of NASA and former U.S. Representative from Oklahoma

“Gov.-elect Stitt’s cabinet selection of Sean Kouplen as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Commerce shows he is working diligently to select proven leaders in business. In addition to being a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Sean is passionate about Native American issues and I know he will strengthen our Nation’s partnership with the State of Oklahoma. We look forward to working with him in his new role and with Gov.-elect Stitt to grow our economy together.” – Principal Chief James Floyd of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation

“I have worked with Sean Kouplen for several years and know him to be a tremendous supporter of this Hispanic business community. His company actually won a top award this year for their tremendous support of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and our partner businesses. We are looking forward to working closely with Kouplen in his new role as Secretary of Commerce to expand existing Hispanic-owned businesses and attract new ones to our state.” – James E. Sanchez, chairman of Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

“Sean Kouplen is an outstanding business and community leader who cares deeply about our state.  Over the last ten years, he has built a tremendous company known for its nation-leading growth and amazing corporate culture.  Faith is a very important part of Sean’s life and he treats everyone he encounters with respect.  He will undoubtedly do an excellent job as Secretary of Commerce and I can’t think of anyone better to lead us toward top 10 economic growth.”

— Piyush Patel, author of Lead Your Tribe, Love Your Work and Angel Investor, founder of Digital-Tutors

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Sean Kouplen for over ten years, and in that time have watched him be a man of integrity in business, a wonderful father, and a strong leader in his church. As Secretary of Commerce, he will bring not only his knowledge of business, but also the knowledge that it is people and relationships that are the true key to success in any endeavor. The tools he will bring with him to this role will position the Department of Commerce and our state to be the best possible in the country. Our businesses will thrive and those looking to start a business or relocate will notice and want to tap into what we have.” 

– Krystal Crockett, president/CEO of Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce

“Much of Oklahoma’s economy originates in rural communities across the state. It is heartening to have a person like Sean Kouplen named to lead economic development efforts, knowing that he brings great insights from his work in serving rural residents, businesses, farms, ranches and community organizations.  With his background in agricultural economics and his demonstrated acumen in leadership, Sean is well suited to ensure that all of Oklahoma’s economy grows and thrives.”

– Thomas Coon, vice president of agricultural programs at Oklahoma State University

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GOVERNOR-ELECT KEVIN STITT ANNOUNCES
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER HIRE

Oklahoma City, Okla. (Jan. 7, 2019) – Governor-elect Kevin Stitt announced today the hiring of John Budd as Chief Operating Officer (COO), a new role in the governor’s office that Stitt campaigned on as a position tasked with diagnosing and helping state agencies deliver efficient, customer-focused services. Stitt will also appoint Budd as the Secretary of Agency Accountability, a cabinet title that will require Senate confirmation.

“In my conversation with governors from across the nation, I heard many credit their success to the hiring of a Chief Operating Officer in their administrations, a model not currently implemented in Oklahoma. This new COO role will be key to fulfilling my campaign commitment of delivering efficient, customer-centered government throughout our 120 agencies,” said Stitt. “I am excited to welcome John Budd, a businessman who has a proven record in helping companies successfully pursue operational transformation and deliver better services. Budd will be tasked with taking a holistic look at ways to more efficiently and effectively implement services and meet today’s modern demands on state government. I appreciate his willingness to join us in serving Oklahoma as we work to build a Top Ten future.”   

John Budd was most recently the executive vice president, chief strategy and business development officer for the Oklahoma City-based national headquarters of Sonic, America’s Drive-In®. He was responsible for Sonic’s strategic near-term and long-term technology path and was a driving force behind the development of enterprise wide strategy, the franchise development function (sales, real estate and construction), supply chain, enterprise program management, and the implementation of key technology initiatives and technology support.

Budd joined Sonic in 2013 after 16 years with the Boston Consulting Group, where he served as a partner and managing director. In that role, he worked with leading companies in the energy, industrial goods, consumer goods, retail, restaurant, and education sectors to help them grow, become more efficient, and provide better customer service. Prior to his work with Boston Consulting Group, he held various domestic and international roles of increasing accountability with General Electric.

Budd earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He also received his M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He serves on the Board for the Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation and is the incoming Chair of the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals. Budd and his wife Rebecca live in Oklahoma City with their sons Jackie and Marcus.

The following are quotes of support for the hiring of John Budd:

“We are fortunate to have John’s talent in our state. John’s extensive business experience with Sonic and Boston Consulting Group driving strategic vision and change, and his understanding of the elements of long-term sustainable progress will be valuable in moving Oklahoma forward.”

– Kathy Taylor, former Sonic board member and former Tulsa mayor

“Our new governor and his administration are fortunate to have John Budd join their team.  I have known John for roughly a decade and have enjoyed my association with him during his time with the Boston Consulting Group and, for the last five years, as a senior officer of Sonic.  

 “John Budd is a very bright, very hard-working and committed professional who is able to constructively question the status quo and develop alternative paths for more effective delivery of services.  He does this in the most functional and collaborative manner.  Many companies throughout our country, including Sonic, have benefited from his skills. As a matter of fact, he had a very significant and positive impact on our company! 

 “John’s willingness to move to the public sector to apply his exceptional skills is a testament to his having the heart of a servant leader and will be to the benefit of this administration and our state, generally. I look forward to observing and appreciating his impact in this new arena and expect it to be considerable!”

– Cliff Hudson, former CEO of Sonic

 “Governor-elect Stitt has made a great choice in appointing John Budd as chief operating officer. Working side by side with John for the past five years, I saw and experienced his strategic thinking and ability to build processes to streamline business practices. As former director of finance for the state, I wholeheartedly believe John’s knowledge and skills will benefit state government and our citizens.”

– Claudia San Pedro, President of SONIC

“John will be a great asset to Governor Stitt’s administration. He brings the right balance of big picture strategy and real-life business acumen to the table. John has served on the Memorial’s Finance Committee and our Board of Trustees for several years and he provides great oversight and strategy. Our state will now benefit from his caliber of experience and expertise, which will in the long run will help prioritize our efficiency of state government.” 

– Kari Watkins, Executive Director of the OKC National Memorial & Museum

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GOVERNOR-ELECT STITT ANNOUNCES ENTERTAINMENT FOR THREE INAUGURAL EVENTS

Oklahoma City, Okla. (Jan. 1, 2019) – Governor-elect Kevin Stitt announced today the entertainment for the three inaugural balls taking place across the state between Jan. 10 and Jan. 14.

“Sarah and I are looking forward to a time of fellowship and live entertainment with Oklahomans from across the state,” said Governor-elect Kevin Stitt. “Our events will begin in Lawton, celebrating rural Oklahoma and welcoming Jimmie Allen to our state who has an inspiring story of achieving his dreams through hard work, faith, and commitment to family. We look forward to the continued celebration in our home town of Tulsa with MercyMe whose hit song made way for the movie ‘I Can Only Imagine’ featuring Oklahoma’s beautiful landscape. On inauguration day, we will celebrate in Oklahoma City with Oklahoma’s own Toby Keith, an award-winning country music artist who continues to give back to our communities as a job creator and philanthropist.”  

The Lawton Preinaugural Bison Bash will feature rising country music artist Jimmie Allen. Allen has opened for Toby Keith and recently became the first African-American artist to send a debut single to the top of the Country Airplay Billboard chart. Allen was chosen by the Stitts because of his inspiring story of achieving the American Dream through hard work, persistency, and commitment to a goal.

The Lawton event will take place on January 10 at 7PM at the Comanche County Fair Grounds Coliseum. The evening includes a BBQ dinner, live entertainment and a time of fellowship with the governor-elect, first lady, and various other statewide officials. Tickets are $75 each.

The Tulsa Preinaugural Redbud Ball will feature the Tulsa Symphony, the Cherokee Youth Choir and MercyMe, the Christian rock band that wrote the song “I Can Only Imagine” which was adapted into a movie filmed in Oklahoma. The Tulsa ball will take place on January 12 at 7PM at the Cox Business Center. The black-tie evening includes a gourmet dinner, live entertainment and a time of fellowship with the governor-elect, first lady, and various other statewide officials. Tickets are $150 each.

The Oklahoma City inaugural ball will feature the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the Cherokee Youth Choir, Jimmie Allen and Toby Keith. Toby Keith is an American country singer and songwriter who was born in Clinton, Oklahoma and raised in Moore. Keith is a businessman and a philanthropist, supporting Ally’s House, a non-profit in Oklahoma designed to aid children with cancer.

The OKC inaugural ball will take place on January 14 at 7PM at the Cox Convention Center, Renaissance Grand Ballroom. The black-tie evening includes a gourmet dinner, live entertainment and a time of fellowship with the newly sworn-in governor, first lady, and statewide officials. Tickets are $250 each.

Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.OklahomaTurnaround.com. Remaining proceeds from tickets sales will be donated to Friends of the Mansion, a non-profit dedicated to providing for the preservation and improvement of the historic Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion and its grounds.

In the coming days, the Stitts will announce entertainment for the Scissortail Children’s Festival in Tulsa on Jan. 12. This event will include a special donation to non-profits supporting Oklahoma’s foster children and families.

Inaugural events that are free and open to the public include the official inaugural swearing-in ceremony at 11:30AM on Jan. 12 on the south side of the State Capitol. The ceremony will be immediately followed by a reception with the Governor, First Lady, and statewide officials inside the State Capitol. Seats are first come, first served. The public is encouraged to RSVP in order to receive updates on parking, weather, and more:https://www.oklahomaturnaround.com/inauguration-swearingin-ceremonyoklahoma-city/

On Jan. 13, the Governor and First Lady will participate in an inaugural prayer service at 9:30AM at First Baptist Moore. The service is free and open to the public. RSVP is encouraged:https://www.oklahomaturnaround.com/inaugural-prayer-serviceoklahoma-city/

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A former U.S. Senate staffer and former state representative will fill two of the top positions in Gov.-elect Kevin Stitt’s new administration, surrounding a first-time governor with a combination of federal, state and even municipal political experience.

Michael Junk, Tulsa’s deputy mayor and a former staffer for U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe and former U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, will serve as chief of staff for Stitt, who officially takes office in January.

Former state Rep. Michael Rogers, a Broken Arrow Republican who was chair of the House education committee, will serve as Stitt’s secretary of state.

Sources confirmed the hires on Monday and the Stitt transition office is expected to formally announce Junk and Rogers on Tuesday.
Donelle Harder, a spokeswoman during Stitt’s campaign, will also be named deputy secretary of state.

Read the complete story on NewsOK.com

GOVERNOR-ELECT KEVIN STITT ANNOUNCES TRANSITION TEAM

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Nov. 13, 2018) – Governor-elect Kevin Stitt today announced formation of Oklahoma’s Turnaround, the transition team for the Stitt administration.

The transition team will work with Governor-elect Stitt to recruit Oklahomans to serve in a Stitt administration and to build out Oklahoma’s Turnaround transition team to include issue-centered advisory committees on the following seven topics: Education, Economic Growth, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, Health, Public Safety, and Native American Partnerships.

Oklahoma’s Turnaround Team will develop policy proposals for the upcoming legislative session, prepare the governor-elect’s budget proposal, and ensure an orderly transition to the new administration.

“I am grateful for the talented Oklahomans who are rolling up their sleeves and already getting to work on making our state Top Ten. The transition team will be focused on recruiting fresh, new leadership to assist in Oklahoma’s turnaround,” said Governor-elect Kevin Stitt. “Over the next week, we will be expanding the team to include committees focused on policy priorities for the first Legislative session.”

For those interested in applying for Oklahoma’s Turnaround or to serve in a Stitt administration, Oklahomans are encouraged to visit www.OklahomaTurnaround.com.

The executive team is as follows:

Marc Nuttle will serve as chair of the transition team. Nuttle is a lawyer, author, consultant and businessman who has had a varied career. He has represented and advised Presidents of the United States, leaders of foreign countries, state officials and corporations. Nuttle has worked on government policy and has predicted economic trends.

Matt Pinnell is Lieutenant Governor-elect. Pinnell is a small business owner with his wife, Lisa. Most recently, Pinnell was tapped to lead the transition team for Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel. Prior, Pinnell served as Director of State Parties for the Republican National Committee from 2013 to 2017 and served as Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party from 2010 to 2013.

Melissa Houston serves as Labor Commissioner, appointed in 2015. Before serving as labor commissioner, Houston was chief of staff and policy adviser in the state attorney general’s office. She has also served as the chief of staff for the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security for nine years and an attorney for the Truth in Sentencing Policy Advisory Commission.

Aamon Ross was the Campaign Manager for Stitt for Governor 2018. Before serving as Campaign Manager, he was a consultant to a variety of companies and industries and negotiated large scale contracts. Additionally, Ross has owned several small businesses and led numerous teams while working in medical device sales for over 14 years.

Sean Kouplen is Chairman and CEO of Regent Bank in Tulsa. Kouplen holds numerous statewide leadership positions including Chairman of the OSU-Tulsa Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Hospitality House of Tulsa, and Board of Directors for MetaFund, Salvation Army of Tulsa, and SouthPoint Church.

Mike Mazzei is the President of Tulsa Wealth Advisors | Raymond James. Mazzei is a former member of the State Senate, representing Senate District 25 from 2004 to 2016. Mazzei previously served as the Senate Finance Chairman from 2008 to 2016.

Corbin McGuire served as Chairman for the Stitt for Governor campaign. McGuire started RNM Recruiting 14 years ago and serves as Managing Director. RNM Recruiting is a technology search firm that focuses on permanent placements nationwide. Corbin graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1995 and currently resides in Tulsa.

Geoffrey Long was general counsel for the Stitt for Governor campaign and will serve as the General Counsel to the transition team. Before entering private practice, he previously served as an attorney for the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, Oklahoma Attorney General, and other state agencies.

Donelle Harder was Deputy Campaign Manager and spokesperson for the Stitt for Governor campaign. Before joining the campaign, Harder was Vice President at the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association and had previously served as Communications Director for U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe and for the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. She comes with more than 10 years of experience in political advising, strategic communications, and government relations.

The transition office is scheduled to open on Thursday. The office is located on the first floor of the State Capitol and will be open Mondays thru Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for on holidays. The transition office phone number is 405-522-8804.

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A Democratic “blue wave” that would upend Republican dominance over Oklahoma failed to materialize Tuesday as the state’s political makeup – with a few exceptions – saw little change after the highly anticipated midterm elections.

Kevin Stitt’s defeat of Drew Edmondson in the governor’s race clenched a Republican sweep of statewide offices, making it the third straight election cycle in which GOP candidates shut Democrats out of the executive branch.

Republicans lawmakers, meanwhile, extended their decades-long streak of picking up legislative seats as the GOP added a Senate seat and four House seats to their already substantial control over the two chambers.

“This election seems to be one of reaffirming the redness of the Oklahoma electorate,” said James Davenport, a professor of political science at Rose State College. “You’re not seeing any kind of Democratic wave. The race for governor turned into a rout, and you’re not seeing the Democrats make the kind of gains in the Legislature that they were hoping to make.”

Read the complete story on oklahomawatch.org

For the past three weeks, the Tulsa World has been hosting a governor’s debate in written form.
The campaigns of Republican candidate Kevin Stitt and Democratic Party nominee Drew Edmondson have supplied arguments for their candidates on the critical questions of education improvement, economic growth and leadership. In today’s paper, the candidates themselves make their closing arguments to the voters of Oklahoma.

Both are promising the same thing: change.

Edmondson says Republicans have had complete control of the state Capitol for eight years, and the results have been four-day school weeks, teachers fleeing to other states, overcrowded prisons, sick hospitals and sicker people.

Stitt looks at an even longer swath of Oklahoma history and says we’ve elected the same group of people with the same inside-the-Capitol resumés for generations, and we find ourselves in last place in all the lists where we should be first.

Read the complete story on tulsaworld.com

IN this year’s gubernatorial race, the major parties have nominated two very different, but accomplished, men.

Republican Kevin Stitt is a political outsider who has achieved impressive private-sector success. He promises to apply business expertise to management of government, free from the pressures of status-quo affiliation.

Democratic candidate Drew Edmondson has had a long and successful career as a public servant, most notably 16 years as attorney general. He promises to bring a steady hand to government and touts his knowledge and expertise as a political plus.

Both are serious men and credible candidates. Deciding between the two therefore requires weighing which man has the greatest potential upside and appears most likely to lead Oklahoma in a new and better direction. On that basis, The Oklahoman believes Stitt is the better candidate.

Read the complete story on NewsOK.com

Kevin Stitt ran a great winning campaign against a very tough opponent in Oklahoma. Kevin is a very successful businessman who will be a fantastic Governor. He is strong on Crime & Borders, the 2nd Amendment, & loves our Military & Vets. He has my complete and total Endorsement!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 30, 2018

Kevin Stitt, a Tulsa businessman who has never run for political office, claimed the Republican nomination for governor on Tuesday with a lopsided victory in the runoff primary over former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett.

Stitt received 164,816 votes, 54.6 percent of the vote, while Cornett got 137,261 votes, 45.4 percent, according to complete but unofficial results. Stitt won counties all over the state, from the Panhandle to the southeastern corner.

Stitt, 45, will face Democrat Drew Edmondson and Libertarian Chris Powell in the Nov. 6 general election.

“I think I won because people are ready for a change,” Stitt said in an interview. “They are tired of the status quo and they want a new leader.”

Read the complete story on NewsOK.com

Oklahoma Secretary of State Completes Counting of Signatures for Proposed State Question 796

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Secretary of State James Williamson today announced his office has completed the counting of signatures for a state question that would ask voters to put the right to medical marijuana in the state constitution.

The secretary of state’s office counted a total of 95,176 for proposed State Question 796.

As has been previously reported, the initiative required 123,725 signatures to be put on the ballot. That equates to 15 percent of 824,831, the total number of ballots cast in the 2014 gubernatorial election.

As required by law, the secretary of state’s office sent a report on its findings to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The state Supreme Court will review the information and officially determine whether there are sufficient signatures to place the proposal on a ballot.

For further details on the state’s initiative and referendum petition process, click here.

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Today, I was made aware of an organization called Oklahoma Values who set out to raise money and air derogatory commercials about a man running for Governor. This organization, not part of any campaign, feels the need to make sure all of Oklahoma hears bad things about a candidate for Governor. Is this really an “Oklahoma Value”? Maybe a political value, but I don’t think it is an Oklahoma value at all. What is more concerning is tracking back these dark money groups to local Oklahoma City people who happen to all be part of the same group of folks who are active in local and state politics. Again, nothing about this seems to say “Oklahoma Value” to me.

The fact is, all of the candidates for Governor are crisscrossing the state telling their story. They are taking time away from wife’s, kids, grandkids and friends. Their professional live’s are on hold, and they spend every day listening to people complain, or working phones asking for money. None of this sounds like anything I would like to do. I commend all of the men running for Governor and thank them for wanting to lead this state. THAT is an Oklahoma Value. Not tearing down people just because they are different or pose a threat to your good ol’ boys club.

I hope that Mr. Cornett will publicly ask this group to stay out of this election unless they can say something positive. As our moms used to say – if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all. Listen to your momma.

Craig Parker
VP Of Silver Star Construction and the
National President of the National Asphalt Pavement Association

Cornett, Stitt claim better experience for job as governor https://t.co/J9rHSp0IE0 via @newsok

— Chris Casteel (@NewsOKPolitics) August 8, 2018