Ep 101: Gov. Kevin Stitt — the Businessman Governor Standing Up to Special Interests - Joe Lonsdale: American Optimist Recap

Podcast: Joe Lonsdale: American Optimist

Published: 2024-11-15

Duration: 25 min

Summary

In this episode, Governor Kevin Stitt discusses his journey from businessman to politician, emphasizing his commitment to reforming Oklahoma's government and standing against special interests. He highlights the importance of school choice and fiscal responsibility in driving the state's growth and success.

What Happened

Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma joins Joe Lonsdale to share insights from his journey as a businessman turned politician. Stitt, who founded Gateway Mortgage with just $1,000, has led Oklahoma through significant challenges, including budget deficits and educational issues. Upon taking office in 2018, he promised to run the state like a business, which has resulted in unprecedented budget surpluses and a strong focus on school choice. Stitt's administration has been characterized by bold decisions, including vetoing a pension increase for police that he believed would jeopardize state finances.

The conversation delves into Stitt's perspective on the political landscape, especially in a state where every county voted for Trump. He emphasizes the need for more business leaders to engage in politics, arguing that running a state is akin to managing a company with a substantial budget and workforce. Stitt discusses the importance of free market principles and how they have benefited Oklahoma, particularly in terms of education reform, which now provides families with a refundable tax credit for school choice. He passionately advocates for the rights of families to choose their children's education, citing the challenges faced by single parents during the pandemic and the failures of other governors who prioritized private education over public schooling.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What challenges did Kevin Stitt face when he became governor?

When Governor Kevin Stitt took office in 2018, he encountered a state grappling with significant budget deficits and widespread dysfunction. His observation of teacher walkouts and the struggles within the state prompted him to act. He recognized that many career politicians were not addressing the root issues, which fueled his desire to run for office. Stitt's aim was to implement business-like efficiency in governance and tackle the longstanding financial troubles facing Oklahoma.

How has Stitt's business experience influenced his policies?

Stitt's entrepreneurial background has profoundly shaped his approach to governance. He started Gateway Mortgage with minimal resources and grew it to a national company, which gave him firsthand experience in managing budgets and personnel. He brings this business mindset to his role as governor, emphasizing fiscal discipline and efficiency. Stitt believes that running a state effectively is similar to managing a business, which involves making tough decisions that prioritize financial health and accountability.

What is the significance of school choice in Stitt's administration?

School choice stands out as a central theme in Governor Stitt's policies. He argues that access to quality education should not be limited by a family's financial situation or geographical location. Stitt introduced a refundable tax credit of up to $7,500 for families to choose schools that best fit their children's needs. This initiative aims to level the playing field for all families, particularly single parents who may lack the resources to relocate for better schooling options.

What was Stitt's stance on COVID-19 measures for schools?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stitt took a firm stance against statewide mask mandates and criticized school closures. He highlighted the struggles faced by working parents whose children were not receiving adequate education through remote learning. Stitt's commitment to keeping schools open for in-person learning contrasted sharply with some of his counterparts, whom he accused of prioritizing their children's private schooling while denying public school students the same opportunities.

How does Stitt view the role of business leaders in politics?

Governor Stitt actively encourages business leaders to engage in politics, believing that their insights and experiences are vital for effective governance. He draws parallels between running a business and managing state affairs, noting that both require sound decision-making and financial acumen. Stitt argues that having more business-minded individuals in political positions can lead to innovative solutions to the challenges faced by states, particularly in areas like economic growth and education reform.