Today, Governor Stitt released the following statement following the Oklahoma Supreme Court's decision in Treat v. Stitt:
"I’m thankful that today’s decision gives future governors clarity around compact negotiations.
"Over the last few weeks, I’ve finalized 11 compacts with tribal governments that protected the interests of the state, and I’m proud of that success. We are in talks right now with Cherokee officials to broker a car tag compact, and before this ruling we were confident we would get that done.
"Right now, individuals driving with Cherokee car tags owe the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority over $4 million in missed tolls, so it is essential that we have a valid car tag compact to ensure that we have a Top Ten infrastructure for years to come. Now that we know that tribal governments can go to the Governor or the Legislature to negotiate compacts, I hope the Legislature agrees with me that we need to collect from every tag that drives on our toll roads.
"Regardless of the outcome of this case, Oklahoma knows that I am a Governor that is going to stand up for fairness for all four million Oklahomans."
