GOVERNOR, HEALTH COMMISSIONER RESPOND TO ATTORNEY GENERAL’S LETTER REGARDING STATE'S COVID-19 EFFORT

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 28, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma State Department of Health Commissioner Gary Cox issued statements today responding to Attorney General Mike Hunter’s letter on the Oklahoma State Health Department’s recent expenditures of COVID stimulus funds:

“In light of Congress providing Oklahoma with $1.2 billion in funds to respond to COVID-19, my administration arranged a few weeks ago a strategic financial team of public employees to closely monitor COVID-related transactions and to be prepared to account for every penny to Congress and the federal government,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “It is disappointing that the Attorney General would see the need to entangle the agency with an investigation when it is in the midst of responding to the most historic pandemic of our time. I fully expect quick and thorough compliance as we have already put strong reporting requirements in place.” 

"The Oklahoma State Health Department has been committed to full transparency with COVID information and the Stitt administration’s proactive efforts to protect Oklahomans from the novel COVID-19 virus,” said OSDH Commissioner Gary Cox. 

“Every step of the way, the agency has been above board and quick to provide information, where legally able, on our transactions to anyone who asks, and we are confident the financial review will demonstrate our efforts for excellence to protect public health. OSDH is prepared to comply and provide any and all information requested by State Auditor Cindy Byrd and her staff."