A number of legislators rallied in support of the Oklahoma Forestry Services on Thursday following Governor Kevin Stitt’s proposal that it might be dissolved.
>> Download the KOCO 5 application | Sign up for KOCO 5's YouTube channel.
Subscribe to our NewslettersSome individuals who usually align closely with Governor Stitt are among those opposing his proposal.
Opposition to the concept comes primarily from influential Republican senators and representatives. Senator Lonnie Paxton, who serves as the Senate Pro Tempore, stated on Thursday that the decision rests with the legislature rather than Governor Stitt.
"Why do we even maintain a Department of Forestry? We should abolish it entirely. This would save $75 million for the taxpayers, or alternatively, we could allocate $50 million from those savings to support our local firefighters," Stitt stated on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, Stitt reaffirmed his stance, roughly a week after dismissing Oklahoma’s State Forester.
Stitt mentioned that he felt the entire forestry department could be eliminated. These remarks disturbed several of the state’s highest-ranking officials.
“I’m bewildered by this. I have no idea where this originated. I totally disagree with the governor’s perspective that this can be eradicated," Paxton stated.
"It is completely unacceptable. The forestry department plays an essential role in combating wildfires, preventing them, and managing our forests within the state of Oklahoma," stated state Representative Kyle Hilbert.
Hilbert typically welcomes journalists individually at his office each Thursday, but this time he had company from delegates representing various regions statewide.
"For the House of Representatives, we will support our firefighters and fire services," Hilbert stated.
Democrats reaffirm that identical sentiment.
“I am deeply worried about his remarks from yesterday regarding the Forestry Services and how he seemed to be justifying the reduction of these services,” stated State Representative Cyndi Munson. “It seems as though he’s exploiting a tragic event to advocate for a tax cut.”
However, the legislature, which oversees the budget, states they will support the forestry service.
Click here to get the most recent news stories that pique your curiosity.
"Paxton stated that initially, the forestry department is established and financed by the legislature. This means that regardless of whether we maintain the forestry department or not, this legislative authority remains intact," he explained.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Stitt mentioned that two of his secretaries would initiate an inquiry aimed at improving their readiness for potential wildfires in the future.
Top Headlines
- Ongoing investigation follows fatal shooting near an northwest Oklahoma City apartment complex.
- 'Coat Cash Crunch:' Pennsylvania Woman Loses $2.5 Million Lottery Ticket Found in Donated Jacket
- WATCH: Sky 5 footage captures the McLoud firetruck that overturned on I-40 near Newalla
- The El Reno Police Department located a missing 1-year-old infant who was allegedly taken by a non-custodial parent.
TOP STORIES FROM KOCO:
The special edition Stanley tumblers are being sold out quickly, however, these are still available.
READ THE FULL STORY: Republican and Democratic lawmakers from Oklahoma support the forestry service.
CHECK OUT KOCO: Stay updated with today's leading stories, weather updates, and sports highlights from Oklahoma City and across the state. Trust KOCO 5 News for comprehensive coverage of what matters most in Oklahoma.