Lawton, OK – According to the state officials, Governor Stitt vetoed Senate Bill 1196 and released following statement explaining his veto:
“This legislation is unnecessary because the law is already clear: The Governor can choose his cabinet from among the agency directors.
It was clear in 2019 when I hired Blayne Arthur as Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and it was clear in 2019 and again in 2023 when I chose her as my Secretary of Agriculture.
She is one of the most respected Agriculture professionals in the nation and we are lucky to have her here in Oklahoma. Not only that, but she has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times.
Without question, she will continue to operate as my Secretary of Agriculture and as the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture. I want the best people leading agencies and advising me on policy as we work to be a Top Ten state.”
