Gov. Kevin Stitt says state could be in tough financial position after lawmakers overrode veto
Gov. Kevin Stitt said even if Oklahoma can afford giving law enforcement more, the state will find itself in a tough spot when firefighters or teachers ask for an increase
Updated: 5:54 PM CDT May 31, 2024
NOW. YEAH. THE GOVERNOR SAYS ONCE OKLAHOMA INCREASES BENEFITS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT TO ANY PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEE IN THE STATE WILL DEMAND THE SAME. TODAY, HE ACCUSED LAWMAKERS OF PLAYING POLITICS WITH STATE MONEY. IT’S A SHORT TERM WIN AND WHEN YOU HAVE PEOPLE THAT ARE POLITICIANS LOOKING FOR THE SHORT TERM WIN, LOOKING FOR THE ENDORSEMENT FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT AS I RUN NEXT TIME, THEN YOU VOTE THAT WAY. THE BILL WE’RE TALKING ABOUT HERE IS SENATE BILL 102, A BILL THE GOVERNOR ORIGINALLY VETOED. LAWMAKERS OVERRODE THAT VETO EARLIER THIS WEEK. 102 WOULD INCREASE OFFICERS RETIREMENT BENEFITS. PROPONENTS LIKE THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE SAY WILL BENEFIT THE PUBLIC, TOO, AS VETERAN EXPERIENCED OFFICERS WILL BE INCENTIVIZED TO STAY ON THE JOB FOR LONGER, STITT SAYS. EVEN IF OKLAHOMA CAN AFFORD GIVING COPS MORE, THE STATE WILL FIND ITSELF IN A TOUGH SPOT WHEN THE FIREFIGHTERS OR EVEN TEACHERS ASK FOR AN INCREASE AND DESPITE ITS OBJECTIONS, THIS BILL, SENATE BILL 102, WILL GO INTO EFFECT. WITH THAT OVERRIDE NOW IN EFFECT. BACK TO YOU. WELL, ANDY, REALLY QUICKLY, WE KNOW THE GOVERNOR WAS ALSO ASKED ABOUT THE BUDGET, SPEAKING OF VETOES HERE, ANY WORD ON IF HE WILL VETO ANY PART OF THE BUDGET THAT WAS JUST AGREED UPON? WELL, HE PREVIOUSLY AGREED TO NOT VETO ANY PARTS OF IT, BUT SAYS THAT WILL CHANGE IF THERE’S ANY SURPRISES. AS. SO IF THERE’S THINGS THAT ARE ADDED LATER ON. YES, WE THINK THAT’S A FAIR GAME. AND WE’LL LOOK AT THAT CLOSELY. THE GOVERNOR NOW HAS 14 DAYS TO EITHER VETO PARTS OF THE BUDGET OR APPROVE PARTS OF THE BUDGET. EITHER WAY, IT WILL GO INTO EFFECT AUTOMATICALLY IN 14 DAYS.
Gov. Kevin Stitt says state could be in tough financial position after lawmakers overrode veto
Gov. Kevin Stitt said even if Oklahoma can afford giving law enforcement more, the state will find itself in a tough spot when firefighters or teachers ask for an increase
Updated: 5:54 PM CDT May 31, 2024
Gov. Kevin Stitt says Oklahoma could be in a tough financial position after lawmakers increased retirement benefits for police by overriding one of his vetoes.The governor argues once Oklahoma increases benefits for local law enforcement, any public sector job that has a pension system will demand the same. Stitt accused lawmakers of playing politics with state money."It's a short-term win. And when you have people that are politicians looking for the short-term win, working for the law enforcement of 'law enforcement' as I run next time, then you vote that way," Stitt said.He originally vetoed Senate Bill 102, which would increase an officer's retirement benefits. Lawmakers overrode that veto earlier this week.Proponents, like the Fraternal Order of Police, said the bill will also benefit the public as veteran and experienced officers will be incentivized to stay on the job for longer.Stitt said even if Oklahoma can afford giving law enforcement more, the state will find itself in a tough spot when firefighters or teachers ask for an increase.Despite Stitt's objections with that override, Senate Bill 102 will go into effect. Top Headlines Worker dies after falling into machine at Oklahoma City recycling plant, OKCFD says Guilty: Trump becomes first former U.S. president convicted of felony crimes Man in custody after hours-long standoff at northwest OKC home, police say OSBI investigates possible double homicide after 2 found dead in Wynnewood home Woman escapes to safety after southeast OKC home catches fire
OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt says Oklahoma could be in a tough financial position after lawmakers increased retirement benefits for police by overriding one of his vetoes.
The governor argues once Oklahoma increases benefits for local law enforcement, any public sector job that has a pension system will demand the same. Stitt accused lawmakers of playing politics with state money.
"It's a short-term win. And when you have people that are politicians looking for the short-term win, working for the law enforcement of 'law enforcement' as I run next time, then you vote that way," Stitt said.
He originally vetoed Senate Bill 102, which would increase an officer's retirement benefits. Lawmakers overrode that veto earlier this week.
Proponents, like the Fraternal Order of Police, said the bill will also benefit the public as veteran and experienced officers will be incentivized to stay on the job for longer.
Stitt said even if Oklahoma can afford giving law enforcement more, the state will find itself in a tough spot when firefighters or teachers ask for an increase.
Despite Stitt's objections with that override, Senate Bill 102 will go into effect.
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