Gov. Stitt addresses education, Medicaid, medical marijuana, McGirt and more in final State of the State – News On 6
Keep up-to-date with everything that happens in your world.
We promise to never spam you. You can opt-out at any time. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for additional information.
© 2026 Griffin Media.
Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, Legal Notices, EEO Report, Ad Choices, Public Inspection File Contact, KOTV Public Inspection File, KQCW Public Inspection File, KOTV-AM Public Inspection File, Closed Captioning Assistance, FCC Applications, VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template)
Gov. Kevin Stitt is delivering his final State of the State address Monday, formally opening Oklahoma’s 2026 legislative session and outlining his priorities for his last year in office.
This live blog will update in real time with key remarks, policy proposals and reactions from inside the Oklahoma Capitol. Refresh this page for the latest developments as the address unfolds.
WATCH THE LIVESTREAM ON YOUTUBE HERE
After Gov. Stitt spent a portion of his speech voicing concerns over tribal sovereignty, Representative Scott Fettgatter, who oversees tribal and external affairs, responded.
Read more about that back-and-forth between Stitt and the 39 Oklahoma tribes and McGirt, HERE.
Stitt said that while the state passed open transfer to help students get out of failing school districts, the OSSAA makes that transfer process difficult for student-athletes.
What Stitt said, how State Supt. Lindel Fields reacted, and what the OSSAA said in response, HERE.
Gov. Kevin Stitt used his State of the State address Monday to push for significant changes to Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, arguing it is growing too large and unsustainable without reform.
CLICK HERE to read what he said, the changes he wants, and the response from the Oklahoma Hospital Association.
State Superintendent Lindel Fields sat down with Jonathan Cooper and Scott Mitchell following the conclusion of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s final State of the State address of his term, sharing his thoughts and comments and several topics, including appointing future state superintendents, Oklahoma’s school calendar, literacy, the OSSAA and more.
FULL STORY HERE.
Stitt described Oklahoma’s marijuana industry as one of the greatest threats to public safety. He said when Oklahomans approved medical marijuana in 2018, voters were “sold a bill of goods.”
READ MORE
Stitt closes with call for unity and long-term thinking
Stitt urges lawmakers to focus on Oklahoma’s future rather than political gain. Quoting Ronald Reagan, he says the state has “a rendezvous with destiny” and must protect opportunity for the next generation.
Stitt says Oklahoma must resist efforts to “federalize half the state” following the McGirt decision. He said that laws, taxes, and criminal prosecutions should apply equally to all Oklahomans.
In one of his strongest policy statements, Stitt says Oklahoma’s medical marijuana system has enabled cartel activity, human trafficking, and foreign criminal influence. He calls for sending the issue back to voters.
Stitt criticizes the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association, calling it unelected and unaccountable. He says student athletes should not lose eligibility because their families cannot afford legal representation.
As property values rise statewide, Stitt calls for a state question that would freeze property tax growth. He says veterans, seniors, and young families are being priced out and need permanent relief.
Governor Stitt is asking the Legislature to send some key issues to the voters as state questions.
The first is to slow the Growth of Government by codifying a cap on recurring spending.
“Let’s codify a 3% annual cap on recurring spending growth in our Constitution and lock in future cuts with ironclad rules,” said Stitt.
He also pushed for the legislature to end automatic property tax hikes
“We owe Oklahomans real relief, not temporary fixes and election-cycle talking points,” said Stitt.
A common topic over the last few years has been an effort to reform Medicaid expansion:
“In 10 years, Medicaid is projected to eat up 37 percent of our annual budget, $6 billion, send a question to voters that would allow adjustments,” he said.
Stitt says Oklahoma has moved from budget deficits to historic savings, cut taxes by $1.6 billion, increased median income by nearly $11,000, and maintained one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country.
The governor tells lawmakers Oklahoma is stronger than ever and says the past seven years represent one of the greatest periods in state history. He adds that Oklahoma’s work is not finished.
Stitt pauses early in his address to thank his parents for their prayers and support, his children for the sacrifices they have made, and First Lady Sarah Stitt for her leadership and partnership. He calls being a father “the greatest job in the world.”
Gov. Kevin Stitt begins his final State of the State address by thanking legislative leaders, statewide elected officials, members of the judiciary, and his cabinet. He also recognizes Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell for serving alongside him for the past seven years.
What’s arguably the biggest issue in the country right now, Gov. Stitt told Haley Hetrick that individual states need a bigger seat at the federal table.
Scott Mitchell says the sudden announcement by Devon Energy today, along with the oil market speculation regarding Venezuela, is such big news that it will likely be referenced by Gov. Stitt this afternoon.
“Energy, oil and gas, are big contributors to the state budget… sanctions are lifted… and it’s not good time for oil and gas companies in terms of profitability.”
Since the beginning of his time in office, Gov. Kevin Stitt has had an, at best, contentious relationship with Oklahoma tribes. News On 6’s Emory Bryan details some of that past and what tribal leaders are expecting from Monday’s State of the State address.
Roughly two dozen protesters have now moved inside the Capitol, according to News 9’s Deanne Stein.
Several protesters said there are some bills this session they support, even as they oppose others. Earlier in the morning, demonstrators representing more than a dozen organizations gathered outside, with speakers addressing a range of issues including data centers, education and the death penalty.
Immigration dominated the conversation, with strong opposition to ICE and calls for the governor to clearly address immigration enforcement moving forward. One protester said they are concerned about what they described as false narratives surrounding undocumented immigrants, particularly claims that all undocumented immigrants are criminals.
From Jason Dunnington:
From Paul Rosino:
Senator Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, spoke ahead of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s State of the State address on healthcare budgeting and funding going into 2026, and how Oklahomans will be impacted if the state does not have a healthcare initiative moving forward.
News 9 reporter Deanne Stein reports dozens of people are gathered on the steps of the Oklahoma State Capitol, where organizers are calling the event an “opening rally” as the legislative session gets underway.
The crowd includes both opponents and supporters of legislation expected to be debated this session. About a dozen organizations are represented, with some attendees holding signs while others take turns speaking at the podium. At one point, a young girl sang to the crowd.
Stein says people are rallying around a wide range of issues, including education policy, the death penalty and data center development. The most common theme among speakers and signs, however, is immigration, with many voicing opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and related enforcement policies.
News 9 political analyst Alex Cameron says some members of Oklahoma’s delegation may not attend the address in person, noting that several offices could send representatives instead.
Cameron said it remains unclear how closely federal lawmakers will weigh Stitt’s remarks, given this is the governor’s final year in office. He noted that states are often reacting to federal policy rather than driving it, which can shape how much attention the speech receives in Washington.
Cameron said he will be listening for any mention of Minnesota, following Stitt’s recent critical comments on CNN, but does not expect the governor to make negative remarks about the Trump administration. Cameron said Stitt is more likely to emphasize cooperation and appreciation.
Cameron also pointed out that roughly 40 cents of every dollar spent in Oklahoma comes from the federal government, making the state more dependent on federal funding than many others. Because of that, he said federal officials may be particularly interested in how Stitt frames Oklahoma’s relationship with Washington.
Overall, Cameron does not expect critical comments in Stitt’s role as governor, but rather an emphasis on how federal policies have been implemented at the state level and why the administration believes those approaches have benefited Oklahomans.
Haley Hetrick reports that in remarks made by Kevin Stitt on Friday, the governor previewed several themes expected to surface during his State of the State address.
Stitt said improving literacy and reading scores remains a top priority, pointing to early education outcomes as a long-term economic issue. He also reiterated his push to change how Oklahoma selects its state superintendent of public instruction, calling for the position to become appointed rather than elected.
The governor again defended his recent welfare executive order, arguing the state cannot sustain its current budget trajectory with the number of people enrolled in Medicaid. He said lawmakers should take a closer look at eligibility and program structure during the session.
Stitt also signaled he may address sports betting legislation as lawmakers return to the Capitol, an issue that has stalled in past sessions but continues to draw renewed interest.
Keep up-to-date with everything that happens in your world.
We promise to never spam you. You can opt-out at any time. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for additional information.
© 2026 Griffin Media.
Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, Legal Notices, EEO Report, Ad Choices, Public Inspection File Contact, KOTV Public Inspection File, KQCW Public Inspection File, KOTV-AM Public Inspection File, Closed Captioning Assistance, FCC Applications, VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template)