Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has signed an executive order directing a broad review of the state’s major welfare programs, with a focus on fraud prevention, work incentives, and long-term self-sufficiency.
“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.”
The order applies to programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Women, Infants and Children benefits. State agencies involved include the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Oklahoma State Department of Health, and Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.
Under the order, agencies have 90 days to review error rates, fraud controls, eligibility rules, and so-called benefit cliffs, where small income increases can lead to a sharp loss of benefits. That review will be compiled into an “Oklahoma Welfare to Work Report” for the Governor and legislative leaders.
Within 120 days, agencies are also directed to identify and seek federal waivers aimed at reducing administrative requirements and tailoring programs more closely to state needs. The order also calls for stronger identity verification, improved data sharing across agencies, and common performance metrics.
Implementation plans are due within 180 days, followed by annual public reports on progress.
Stitt also encouraged partnerships with faith-based and nonprofit groups to support people transitioning off assistance.
“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, non-profits, 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.”
