Governor Kevin Stitt used his final State of the State address to outline priorities for his last year in office, urging lawmakers to focus on long-term reforms rather than short-term politics. He called for major changes to Medicaid expansion, including sending a state question to voters to allow work requirements, warning the program could take up more than a third of Oklahoma’s budget within a decade. Stitt also pushed to send medical marijuana back to a vote of the people, criticized tribal sovereignty issues tied to the McGirt ruling, and proposed sweeping education reforms such as expanding school choice and eliminating the OSSAA. He closed by emphasizing unity and framing Oklahoma’s future as a shared responsibility.
House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson criticized the governor’s 2026 State of the State address, saying it failed to reflect the realities facing working Oklahomans struggling with basic necessities, health care access, and education outcomes. She argued that the governor’s claims of historic investment ignore past cuts to core services and opposed proposals such as cutting Medicaid expansion, reducing income taxes for the wealthy, and expanding private school tax credits. Munson also condemned the governor’s comments about tribes, reaffirming House Democrats’ support for tribal sovereignty and the essential role tribes play in education and health care. She concluded by stating that House Democrats are ready to work across the aisle to address everyday challenges and invest in Oklahoma’s future.
Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt said the governor’s final State of the State address was out of touch with the everyday struggles Oklahomans face, particularly around health care access and the rising cost of living. She argued that the governor’s proposals would worsen these challenges and failed to offer meaningful relief for working families. Kirt emphasized that Senate Democrats are focused on practical solutions that support affordable education, housing, wages, and health care. She concluded by stating that Democrats are ready to work across the aisle to pass legislation that improves the lives of Oklahomans statewide.
Several Republican candidates in Oklahoma’s 2026 governor’s race have self-financed their campaigns, loaning a combined $7.6 million to get started. Mike Mazzei leads with $3 million in personal loans, followed by Charles McCall and Chip Keating, each contributing over $2 million. Ethics rules allow unlimited self-funding, but critics say it discourages less wealthy candidates. Democrat Cyndi Munson, meanwhile, has raised $657,000 without any personal loans,
State Sen. Shane Jett was stripped of his leadership roles after accusing fellow lawmakers of being drunk during the final night of the 2025 legislative session. Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton said Jett’s claims were unsupported, divisive, and showed a lack of integrity and respect for colleagues, leading to his removal from committee leadership and presiding duties. Paxton emphasized the decision was about Jett’s conduct, not his proposed legislation to ban alcohol at the Capitol.
The December 2025 Oklahoma Economic Report shows state revenues rebounded sharply, with Gross Production Tax collections totaling $124.5 million, a month-over-month increase of $86.9 million, or 231.6%, driven by higher oil and gas production and pricing. Income tax revenues rose to $207 million, while vehicle taxes increased nearly 20%, though sales and use taxes declined slightly. Oklahoma’s unemployment rate rose to 3.5%, while national unemployment fell to 4.4%, and manufacturing activity continued to slow as demand softened. Inflation remained elevated, with the Consumer Price Index reaching 2.7% in December, while the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 6.15%, the lowest level of 2025.
Weekly Wrap Up
Upcoming Deadlines
02/11: Deadline to File Shell Language and to Change Top Eight Bill Preference (House)
02/16: President’s Day-Legislature Typically in Session
02/19: Deadline for HBs and HJRs to Report Out if Policy Committees and Appropriations Subcommittees (House)
03/05: Deadline for Bills and Joint Resolutions to be Reported from Committee of Origin (Senate)
03/18-20: Legislative Spring Break-House Not in Session (Senate TBD)
03/26: Deadline for Third Reading and Final Passage of Bills and Joint Resolutions by the Chamber of Origin (House and Senate)
To see the full legislative calendar, click the link to view the House Calendar and Senate Calendar.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“As I’ve spent time reflecting, there’s one great challenge that will remain,” Governor Stitt said in his State of the State address. “To those of you in this chamber and those yet to serve, I implore you to fight for one Oklahoma, for fairness, transparency, and for state sovereignty. I’m proud of Oklahoma’s heritage. From the Native Americans who lived on this land and those who participated in the land run to statehood, we have an amazing history.”