Oklahoma Hands Executive Office to Another Business Leader
Oklahoma voters have handed the state’s executive office to another business leader, setting up a back-to-back leadership transition as Governor Kevin Stitt congratulated Governor-elect Mike Mazzei on his victory.
Mazzei steps into the role inheriting a state government that looks markedly different than it did eight years ago. According to an accompanying report detailing Stitt’s administration, Oklahoma’s annual state funding for public education climbed from $2.91 billion to $4.2 billion over the past eight years.
Tax Cuts Fuel Shift in State Finances Since 2019
State finances have shifted just as sharply since 2019. Lawmakers and executive agencies cut $1.6 billion in taxes during that span, while state savings grew from $451.6 million in fiscal year 2019 to a projected $4.5 billion for fiscal year 2027.
Administrative Footprints Shrink Across State Agencies
Administrative footprints shrank alongside those growing reserves. The state trimmed its aircraft fleet from 17 planes down to five, cut its vehicle fleet by more than 1,500 units, and reduced the number of state employees while keeping budgets flat across agencies.
Stitt Praises Business Background of Successor
“Mike is a businessman who understands that every dollar the government spends belongs to the taxpayer. Electing business leaders back-to-back is how we build on Oklahoma’s incredible momentum from the past eight years,” Governor Stitt said following the election results.
Governor Stitt
Social service delivery metrics also shifted during the outgoing administration. The developmental disability services waiting list dropped by nearly 66%, shrinking the reported wait time from 13 years down to approximately 13 to 14 months.
Stitt declares Mike Mazzei as next governor of Oklahoma https://t.co/6gYRHhg3Sv
Passing a Strong Foundation to the Next Administration
“We’re handing the next administration a strong foundation, and I’m excited to see Mike build on it. This is about leaving Oklahoma better than we found it and keeping our foot on the gas,” Stitt stated.
