Guthrie's Chamber of Commerce hosted its first State of the State luncheon Tuesday afternoon, with Gov. Kevin Stitt as the guest speaker at Meridian Technology Center.
He spoke about his three priorities for his final term, all revolving around his “big picture” to make Oklahoma the most business-friendly state in the country and how the state income tax could be eliminated.
Chamber President/CEO Brittany Timmons was excited to host Oklahoma's 28th governor.
"Hosting events like the State of the State luncheon with Governor Stitt is vital for Guthrie,” explained Timmons. “It provides our business community with a unique opportunity to directly engage with state leadership, understand key policy initiatives impacting Oklahoma, and advocate for our local needs. This direct interaction fosters a stronger partnership between Guthrie and the state, ultimately contributing to our economic growth and the overall well-being of our community."
Gov. Stitt's three priorities include the “Path to Zero,” “Behind the Meter,” and introducing business courts to Oklahoma.
A more business-friendly state will improve all aspects of Oklahoma life, including the economy and education, he said.
The “Path to Zero” refers to income tax cuts for the state toward the goal of elimination.
He explained -- coincidentally on Tax Day -- that he wants Oklahoma to be competitive with other states in the region, many of which have recently decreased income tax rates, or like Texas, which does not have a state income tax.
He cited Oklahoma as having the largest savings account in state history with $4.9 billion and that is a big reason for a move to eliminate income tax. During the question-and-answer session, Stitt pointed out that income tax has reduced to its current rate of 4.75% from 7% years ago.
Stitt discussed attracting businesses because Oklahoma has some of the most affordable electric and power rates in the country.
Building “Behind the Meter” is one method Stitt wants to take to make Oklahoma more business friendly. The policy permits large businesses to build their own power sources off the grid. This allows for more timely acquisition of businesses to join the state's economy because traditional methods on the grid take about seven years to set up facilities able to meet the power demands of new “gigawatt factories.”
A one-gigawatt factory, largely in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology, is pulling 100 times the amount of the entire City of Claremore.
Stitt’s third priority during his final term is the establishment of business courts in Oklahoma, similar to the Court of Chancery in Delaware, which is responsible for establishing case laws there for corporate cases.
He stated that two business courts will be set up, one in Tulsa and one in Oklahoma City by 2026.
Compared to Delaware, a state the quarter of the size of Oklahoma, Stitt pointed out that Delaware beings in approximately $2 billion in business permits and licensing fees. In contrast, Oklahoma receives about $17 million each year. As a businessman, Stitt sees that as a very clear opportunity.
Oklahoma might be offering the same products as Delaware, but with four times the people, the Sooner State has to increase that revenue stream and provide one way to ultimately eliminate the state income tax.
The Governor commented on "fire questions" during the Q&A portion of the event and wanted to address the termination of Oklahoma State Director of Forestry Mark Goeller. Stitt explained the reason behind his decision to terminate Goeller boiled down to asset management and the response of the department to the recent wildfires.
Stitt said half of the department’s assets remained in East Oklahoma, although they were needed elsewhere, and were never brought to areas in higher need, like the Guthrie area, when fire units could have been better prepared before the lower humidity and winds approached.
Stitt said he was “holding people accountable” and that if the Governor cannot fire someone to hold them accountable, "Who can?"
The reason given by Goeller and his department for not bringing the assets out of the east side of the state was cited as statutory rules.
Stitt said that assertion is an error and “folklore” that he had attorneys check into that reason, and they deemed it to be false.
He has received a lot of negative feedback regarding the termination of Goeller, including from State Attorney General Gentner Drummond.
Drummond, 2026 candidate for Stitt's seat, said in a statement, “It should be inconceivable to think that the courage, skill and herculean work of firefighters across the state would be rewarded with the sudden and inexplicable ouster of Director Goeller.
“Honestly, the Governor’s action is baffling. While the wildfires that swept through our state this month exacted a heavy toll, the death and devastation would have been far, far worse without the strong coordinated effort of firefighters and Oklahoma Forestry Services."