Contact: Sheridan Betts
Phone: 405-724-2464

OCPA applauds Stitt agenda

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 7, 2022)— Larry Parman, chairman of the board of trustees for the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, issued the following statement today in response to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s “State of the State” address, which included Stitt’s endorsement of Oklahoma Empowerment Accounts (OEAs) that will fund students, not buildings, and allow parents to choose any education option that best serves their child’s needs.

“Today Governor Stitt outlined an agenda for the upcoming legislative session that included his enthusiastic support of Oklahoma Empowerment Accounts. OEAs will provide greater power and autonomy to parents by allowing money to follow the student to any setting that best serves that child, including private schools. Passage of the OEA law would make Oklahoma a national leader in educational opportunity and—ultimately—improved academic outcomes. Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat has shown tremendous leadership by filing Senate Bill 1647, and now Governor Stitt has made clear that passing this bill is a key component of making Oklahoma a Top Ten state. I encourage all lawmakers to join the Governor and Pro Tempore in supporting this crucial legislation. It’s time to put parents in charge of education, and place students first in policymaking.”

The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs is a free-market think tank that works to advance principles and policies that support free enterprise, limited government, individual initiative and personal responsibility.

-30-