Gov. Kevin Stitt calls for end to OSSAA and medical marijuana during State of the State – KOCO
Gov. Kevin Stitt delivered his final State of the State address, urging lawmakers to eliminate the medical marijuana industry and the OSSAA.
Gov. Kevin Stitt delivered his final State of the State address, urging lawmakers to eliminate the medical marijuana industry and the OSSAA.
Gov. Kevin Stitt delivered his final State of the State address, urging lawmakers to eliminate the medical marijuana industry and the OSSAA.
Gov. Kevin Stitt delivered his final State of the State address, urging lawmakers to eliminate the medical marijuana industry and the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association.
“We have a rendezvous with destiny. Let’s grab it with the tenacity and grit that sets us apart as Oklahomans,” Stitt said.
Stitt expressed frustration with the OSSAA, which governs Oklahoma high school sports, due to recent eligibility issues that had to be settled in court.
“It’s time to eliminate the OSSAA and secure our progress with open transfer,” he said. “If they want to excel in athletics, their opportunity may be blocked by an unelected and unaccountable high school sports association—the OSSAA.”
>> Video Below: WATCH FULL: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his last State of the State address
Lawmakers celebrated the idea, but Stitt’s address included more calls for elimination. He urged lawmakers to send the marijuana issue back to the vote of the people.
“Send the marijuana issue back to the vote of the people and let’s shut it down,” Stitt said.
He said he wants Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry gone, citing concerns over criminal activities.
“These storefronts hide an industry that enables cartel activity, human trafficking and foreign influence in our state,” he said.
>> Video Below: Gov. Kevin Stitt wants another vote of the people to ‘shut down’ medical marijuana in Oklahoma
He urged lawmakers to put the issue back in front of voters.
“We can’t put a Band-Aid on a broken bone. Knowing what we know, it’s time to let Oklahomans bring safety and sanity back to their neighborhoods,” Stitt said.
The governor laid out a series of other priorities, including expanding the parental choice tax credit and freezing property taxes.
OSSAA released a statement to KOCO following the State of the State. Read it below:
“The OSSAA is a member-driven organization governed by the 482 Oklahoma schools that voluntarily choose to join the association. Every major decision, policy and rule is shaped by these member schools. The OSSAA Board of Directors is composed entirely of elected school leaders – Superintendents, Principals and Athletic Directors – who are chosen by their peers to represent them.” OSSAA Executive Director David Jackson said in a statement. “While we are disappointed that Governor Stitt did not reach out to learn more about how the OSSAA operates, we welcome the opportunity to visit with him at any time. We would be glad to help him better understand our member-governed structure and the work our schools do collectively to support students across Oklahoma.”
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