In the aftermath of massive fraud allegations at programs across the country, but particularly in Minnesota, Gov. Kevin Stitt has ordered a fraud review of Oklahoma’s welfare programs.

“In Oklahoma, we know that there is no better social welfare program than a job,” Stitt said. “We measure compassion by the number of individuals who no longer need welfare assistance because they have become self-reliant through meaningful employment. To that end, I’m instructing our agencies to take steps to reduce fraud and errors, seek federal flexibility, and design incentives that act as trampolines, not hammocks. I’m grateful to legislative leadership for their attention to this issue, and I look forward to discussions to make meaningful changes to these programs.”

Stitt’s executive order requires what he called a comprehensive review addressing multiple programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or “food stamps”), Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and other programs overseen and reviewed in partnership by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS), Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA), Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), and Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC).

Key requirements established by the order include:

• Program review: Within 90 days of the order, agencies will audit error rates, fraud protocols, eligibility rules, and benefit cliffs, delivering the “Oklahoma Welfare to Work Report” to the governor and legislative leaders.
• Federal waivers: In response to President Trump’s invitation for states to pursue flexibility, within 120 days, agencies will identify and apply for waivers to reduce federal bureaucracy and tailor programs to Oklahoma families.
• Work incentives: Agencies will collaborate with existing programs to direct adults to jobs, training, and education.
• Integrity measures: Agencies will implement ID verification, data matching, and unified metrics across agencies.
• Accountability: Implementation plans are due in 180 days of the order, with annual public reports.

“The government isn’t a jobs program, and it can’t solve all societal issues,” Stitt said. “Many of the needs Oklahomans face can be met by the local church, nonprofits, and neighbors. I encourage the Oklahoma faith-based and non-profit community to join with the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives to help meet the needs of Oklahomans.”