'I don't think anybody takes the guy seriously': Gov Stitt responds to Ryan Walters after budget criticism
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - After several outcries and criticism from Superintendent Ryan Walters to lawmakers, Governor Kevin Stitt responded on Wednesday.
"I don't think anybody takes that guy seriously," said Gov. Stitt.
Walters has criticized that lawmakers, and specifically the Governor, aren't doing enough to cut taxes like property taxes and the income tax.
"This should be MAGA (Make America Great Again) DisneyWorld in here, in Oklahoma," said Supt. Walters.
Walters reiterated what he said on Friday, but this time without taking questions from the media.
Last Friday, when asked how he plans on cutting property tax and income tax and still funding the state, he didn't give a clear answer.
When asked why people should listen to him, with education rankings in Oklahoma remaining one of the lowest when compared to the rest of the nation, he called KFOR fake news without specifically saying what information was wrong about the question.
On Wednesday, he seemed to lead another rally, with lawmakers taking the podium as well. He repeated similar statements to what was said on Friday.
"I think it's pretty disappointing, and people sell their souls out for the next 18 months. It's crazy," said Gov. Stitt.
Supt. Walters comes out with this criticism around the same time when he received several losses at the state capitol.
Last week, the budget agreement showed that several of his budget requests were rejected by lawmakers. Both the $3 million for Bibles and the $500,000 for concealed carry training were rejected.
This week, it was learned that all four of the Stitt-appointed School Board Members received a nomination for confirmation vote of approval from the members of the Senate. That happened despite Supt. Walters heard speaking out against their seats.
Their votes still need to be voted on the Senate floor.
When asked for a response to Walters' criticism, Gov. Stitt said, "There are politicians. Candidates for their next office, or their next job, or they're running for something, trying to make waves. I don't think anybody takes the guy seriously. I didn't watch anything," said Gov. Stitt.