Gov. Kevin Stitt delivered his second State of the State Address on Feb. 3 before a joint session of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the state Senate – opening the second session of the 57th Legislature.

The governor gave a great speech, focusing on successes of the past year in working with the Legislature to increase government transparency, accountability and efficiency. The governor’s vision to streamline and consolidate government functions where it makes sense is something I’ve advocated my entire legislative career.

The governor also touched on a variety of issues important to all Oklahomans as he continues his mission of helping us become a Top Ten state.

Of course, I appreciate the governor’s continued commitment to improving our state and county roads and bridges. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation currently is streamlining operations that are duplicative in nature and combining back office and common functions with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to ensure we have a more unified and efficient system that makes better use of transportation funding.

I also appreciated the governor’s notice of the state’s continued diversification of our state economy, which is expanding beyond just our strong energy industry. Other areas of growth include aerospace, finance, manufacturing and health care, all placing Oklahoma’s economy on good footing. The governor noted our unemployment rate remains below the national average, while our household income has risen by nearly 4%. Meanwhile, 60 companies have moved to our state or made significant expansions.

Gov. Stitt also recently issued an executive order instructing state agencies to remove two regulations for every newly created one with the intent of reducing red tape by 25% over the next three years. This creates wealth, jobs and opportunities for Oklahoma citizens, including our farmers and ranchers and our manufacturers. This also creates a more efficient government. The governor rightly points out that just because we’ve done something the same way for 100 years doesn’t mean we must continue if it no longer makes sense or adds value.

On the education front, the governor commended the Legislature for giving teachers pay raises the last two years and for appropriating more money to our schools to support our classrooms. Now, we need to look at actual reforms that will help our students read and perform math and other subjects on grade level. Money is not the solution for every problem.

House members this year are focused on giving our state retirees a cost-of-living adjustment. This is needed to help those in our pension systems keep up with the rising cost of health insurance and other living expenses. This is a bill that stalled in the state Senate last year, but now with the governor’s stated support, perhaps we can get this done.

After listening to this year’s State of the State address, I am confident Gov. Stitt and the Legislature will come together with fresh ideas and bold vision to continue to move Oklahoma forward. We are on the right track, but there is always room to improve. I look forward to working with the governor along with my legislative colleagues to accomplish great things for the state I love.

As always, please remember that if I can help you in any way, I can be reached at (405) 557-7407 or mike.sanders@okhouse.gov.