Fallin Touts Step Up Plan, Protestors Get Last Word

Governor Fallin delivered her final State of the State Address on Monday with protestors getting the last word in from the gallery. Also taking a central focus is the Step Up Oklahoma Plan which was formed by a group of business and civic leaders and has gained much popularity in several sectors, while drawing criticism from staunch conservatives for raising taxes and from staunch liberals for not doing more. The plan is a combination of revenue raising measures and government reforms.

Instead of focusing on her past accomplishments while serving as governor, Fallin chose to encourage lawmakers to consider the Step Up Oklahoma Plan.

“Tradition tempts me to take this opportunity to reflect on the past seven years on what has been my blessing to serve as governor of the state we all love. But today is not for yielding to tradition. Today is not to look over our shoulder, but to press on ahead for a better future for the state of Oklahoma,” Fallin said.

The Governor also framed the argument for the Step Up Oklahoma Plan as a need for the Oklahoma Standard, a term usually reserved for when Oklahomans react and recover from natural disasters. She also acknowledged it will take a compromise to address the budget and state government in such a way.

“Yet, for all of us, there are parts of what is proposed that we may want to embrace, and there are parts that we may want to reject. Our goal this session should be to fix our chronic budget crisis and address important policy goals.

“We know there are no perfect solutions or plans. We know there is no perfect legislation. But, we also know that compromise is at the very core of the budget on which you will vote. Just as compromise formed the foundation of America, I believe compromise can fortify the foundation of Oklahoma,” said Fallin.

Fallin did not focus on the revenue raising proposals, but instead on the government reforms focused on criminal justice, teacher pay raises, health care. She also noted that the five living former governors are supporting the Step Up plan.

After painting a picture of when lawmakers ready themselves to vote for or against certain measures, Fallin concluded her final State of the State speech by asking the Legislature to get to work.

“Let’s make Oklahoma a special place where we and our children and their children choose to live.

“May God guide you, may God bless you, and may God bless Oklahoma,” concluded Fallin.

As she was preparing to leave the House Chamber, protestors unfurled a banner in the gallery. The banner had a caricature of Fallin with the phrase, “Oklahoma State of Despair.” The women began shouting down to Fallin. Lt. Governor Todd Lamb called for the sergeant at arms to empty the gallery.

It was difficult to make out what the protestors were saying. However, it provided an interesting start to the 56th Legislature’s Second Regular Session.

To read Governor Fallin’s executive budget proposal, follow this link.

You can watch Fallin’s State of the State Address below.


Print pagePDF pageEmail page

*

Copyright © The McCarville Report