Stories

The Agriculture Enhancement and Diversification Board received 196 applicants vying for $10 million in CARES Act grant funding. Of those 196, 40 locations received funding to improve and expand existing facilities and build new processing plants across the state.

“We had a tremendous response and were able to distribute funds to 40 different locations across our state,” said Sec. Blayne Arthur. “I do recognize that $10 million in grants will not resolve all of our challenges in the meat processing sector, however, I am confident this has created a solid foundation for increasing capacity in our state.”

For a map showing the geographic distribution of the funds.

“I look forward to seeing the impact these grants make on our industry,” said Sec. Arthur. “They are the gateway to mitigating risks of plant shutdowns and ensuring continued meat availability for consumers in our state.”  

"This funding is essential for helping Oklahoma’s transit operators weather this storm while continuing to provide their service to the public,” said Gov. Stitt. “ODOT works with transit providers on a daily basis, so we already have good relationships and systems in place to identify the greatest needs and get these supplies delivered quickly.”

This funding will help public transit agencies statewide continue to provide PPE to drivers and routinely disinfect the buses and vans in their fleets. Equipment and supplies available to transit providers through ODOT ranges from hand sanitizer, masks and disposable gloves to industrial foggers for vehicle decontamination and partitions that can be installed to protect drivers.

“Public transit is extremely important to our communities and provides transportation for some of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable populations to get to work or the doctor,” said Gatz. “This $6 million will protect drivers and riders by reducing the spread of the virus and allowing Oklahomans to ride confidently.”

Read more about OKLAHOMA TRANSIT AGENCIES TO RECEIVE $6 MILLION IN CARES ACT FUNDING.

Many of the first districts taking advantage of the program were smaller districts in rural areas across the state. In the past week several of the state's largest school districts have engaged.

"The Learn Anywhere Oklahoma program is a clear win for public schools" said Dr. Stacey Butterfield, Jenks Public Schools superintendent.

All public school districts received an allocation based on last official enrollment numbers reported Oct. 1.

"Learn Anywhere Oklahoma allows Oklahoma students to have access to a wide-array of digital educational curriculum during this unprecedented pandemic and beyond," Gov. Kevin Stitt said. "Most importantly, it equalizes education opportunities no matter a school's size or access to local resources, allowing students to stay enrolled in their school districts."

Read more about Schools enrolling in state's initiative doubles.

The funding will be used to help public transit agencies throughout Oklahoma to provide PPE to drivers and routinely disinfect buses and vans in their fleets.

"This funding is essential for helping Oklahoma’s transit operators weather this storm while continuing to provide their service to the public,” said Gov. Stitt. “ODOT works with transit providers on a daily basis, so we already have good relationships and systems in place to identify the greatest needs and get these supplies delivered quickly.”

The requests for the PPE will be prioritized by ODOT, focusing on rural transit operators and organizations that provide transportation for the elderly and individuals with disabilities first.

The department administers funds to 20 rural transit agencies and over 130 organizations that provide mobility services to elderly and disabled Oklahomans.  

Read more about Transit agencies in Oklahoma to receive $6M in CARES Act funding.

“This initiative will help address academic needs during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gov. Stitt. “While we must take the necessary precautions to slow the spread of the virus and keep our vulnerable populations safe, we must also prioritize our students’ learning. Learn Anywhere OK accomplishes both goals. It will allow schools to safely serve families with at-risk members, and should an outbreak occur, it can be used to continue remote learning.”

Under the plan, the state will spend $12 million to purchase content that is rigorous and aligns with state standards. Organizers say the initiative will also help address inequality by ensuring students, no matter their location, are given equal access to content that enriches and expands their learning experience.

Read more about 123 school districts enroll in ‘Learn Anywhere Oklahoma’ plan.

Using federal bailout funds provided for COVID-19 response, Stitt announced in July the launch of the Learn Anywhere Oklahoma program, which will use $12 million to provide greater access to high-quality digital content, including Advanced Placement courses, across grades K-12. Additionally, the funds allow schools to provide access to online content with a teacher of record virtually.

Walters discussed the response to the governor’s initiative during a legislative study conducted by the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Education.

Walters noted the rapid shift to online learning last spring was very challenging for many school districts, and many challenges remain in the new school year.

“Online quality instruction can be really difficult to put together and to make sure you’re doing it the right way,” Walters said.

He said the Learn Anywhere Oklahoma program is helping eliminate shortcomings, particularly in rural communities. In many rural districts, he noted schools struggle to attract educators certified to teach higher-level academic courses, and those same districts often have only a literal handful of students choosing those options, which makes it financially difficult for a district to dedicate a teacher to those courses.  

Read more about Stitt education program proving popular across Oklahoma.

State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said the equipment and other safety measures are key.

“The key is being able to reduce transmission, and so the provision of masks is essential. It’s the bedrock for having a safer start to our schools and decreased spread and transmission in the schoolhouse,” Hofmeister said.

School districts across Oklahoma have reported COVID-19 cases within the first few days of class. Stitt said parents need to keep a close eye on whether their children have symptoms.  

Read more about Stitt, Hofmeister give inside look at warehouse full of personal protective equipment for schools.

“It is critically important that (schools) operate safely and effectively for all students,” Stitt said in a release. “I am committed to providing our schools with the resources and support they need in order to welcome students back to the classroom while also prioritizing their health.”

The state distributed 1.7 million reusable masks, 42,000 clear face shields, 1.2 million pairs of disposable gloves and 1.2 million disposable gowns to numerous school districts across Oklahoma.

Read more about Owasso Public Schools receives large supply of PPE from State of Oklahoma.

State Department of Commerce Executive Director Brent Kisling began the discussion with an update on the Stitt administration’s efforts to help business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stitt said the goal of several CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act programs, including OBRP [Oklahoma Business Relief Program] and the Oklahoma Bounce Back Assistance Program, were designed to help keep small businesses afloat during the pandemic.

Read more about Gov. Stitt meets with Moore business owners Wednesday.