Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd issues statement

Oklahoma Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd issued the following statement Tuesday after Gov. Kevin Stitt and Republican legislative leaders announced details of five bills giving the Governor the power to directly hire and fire agency heads.

“The Senate Democrats are concerned about the latest Republican proposal to increase the executive power of the Governor. We believe agency directors should be experienced professionals, not political appointees accountable only to the Governor.

“Currently, agency boards make decisions, which impact millions of Oklahomans in an open meeting with input from the public. Under this proposal, agency directors would be able to make decisions behind closed doors with no public accountability. Oklahomans expect transparency from their state government; unfortunately, this proposal is a move in the wrong direction.” Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City