Oklahoma City, OK – The Governor of Oklahoma now holds the final decision on whether to prohibit the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) from using taxpayer dollars for media interviews, publications, and other public promotional activities.

Background on OSDE Expenditures

In the past year, OSDE paid $22,500 to Texas-based video production company Precision Outreach to produce 30 minutes of video content. One of these videos featured a public awareness campaign, including footage from events involving national education and teachers’ groups, and interviews where State Superintendent Ryan Walters criticized teachers’ unions.

As of the latest updates, this video campaign has garnered just 3,841 views on YouTube. The contract with Precision Outreach spanned from May 22, 2023, to May 21, 2024.

Additionally, OSDE has entered into a $50,000 contract with Precision Outreach for creating social media videos, effective from March 6 to June 30, 2024, with potential renewals for three optional 12-month periods. There is also a separate contract with Washington D.C.-based PR firm Vought Strategies, which is also up for renewal at the end of June.

Legislative Action and Debate

Senate Bill 1122 aims to restrict the use of funds appropriated to OSDE for securing media interviews, public relations, or other public promotional purposes. The Senate passed this proposal with a vote of 37-4, and the House of Representatives later approved it 57-35. If signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt, the bill would take effect on July 1.

In a legal opinion, OSDE’s General Counsel, Michael Beason, warned that the bill could severely limit the promotion of vital programs such as:

• School choice initiatives
• Sooner Start
• Teacher recruitment and signing bonuses
• School safety programs
• Maternity leave and teacher empowerment programs
• Teacher of the Year awards and programs

Beason highlighted that the bill’s vague definitions of “public relations” and “other public promotional services” could lead to significant operational challenges, potentially necessitating the removal of the OSDE website, which promotes various educational programs and services.

Political Reactions

State Superintendent Ryan Walters expressed concerns that the legislation seeks to silence opposition, likening the efforts to those faced by President Trump. Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, however, downplayed the potential impacts, suggesting that OSDE might be overstating the bill’s consequences.

Governor Kevin Stitt, who has previously barred state agencies from spending taxpayer dollars on outside lobbyists through an executive order in 2019, has yet to decide on SB 1122. He emphasized the importance of not using resources for self-promotion and questioned the necessity of hiring external PR firms when agencies have internal communication teams.

Financial Context

Between 2019 and 2022, Oklahoma state agencies spent over $99 million on external public relations and marketing firms. However, these firms were based in Oklahoma, unlike the two firms contracted by OSDE, which are based in Texas and Washington D.C.

Conclusion

The decision now rests with Governor Kevin Stitt. If he vetoes the bill, lawmakers cannot override his decision this year as the legislative session has concluded. Representative Mark McBride expressed hopes for a discussion with the Governor to ensure good governance. The final outcome will significantly impact how OSDE can promote and manage its educational programs and services.

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