Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt stood firm against the proposal to collect students' immigration status, citing it as a non-public safety concern. He criticized the state superintendent for politicizing the issue and defended the rights of young children.
Controversy Surrounding Immigration Data Collection
In January, the Oklahoma State Board of Education approved a plan for schools to gather immigration status information during enrollment. This move, supported by State Superintendent Ryan Walters, faced opposition from Governor Stitt, who vowed to halt the initiative.
Governor Stitt's Political Stance
While Governor Stitt refrained from endorsing any successor for the upcoming elections, he lauded former President Trump's border policies and advocated for increased gubernatorial control over workforce visas.
He also commended the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, for its cost-cutting measures. Inspired by this, Stitt initiated the DOGE-OK commission to enhance governmental efficiency in Oklahoma.
State vs. Federal Government Funding
Expressing a preference for state autonomy, Governor Stitt proposed that federal aid for areas like education and healthcare should be in the form of block grants. This approach would empower states to make decisions independently, bypassing federal bureaucracy.
Stitt's fiscal conservatism aligns with his support for prudent spending and highlights the need for sustainable budgetary practices.