Governor meets with Hispanic Council

A statewide representative group of over 70 Hispanic community leaders in business, education, government, assembled at the State Capitol, Governor’s Conference Room to discuss a number of interests and concerns ranging from gubernatorial appointments, the grocery tax, education choice, and economic development.

Governor Stitt spoke to the great history, culture, and contributions of the Hispanic population of Oklahoma throughout the history of Oklahoma. He highlighted the success of the legislature’s recent elimination of the grocery tax and how that directly impacts all citizens of Oklahoma.

The grocery tax issue notwithstanding, Stitt has been criticized by members of both parties for his efforts to eliminate all state taxes, especially in light of the poor standing of Oklahoma’s public schools and the state’s crumbling infrastructure.

Additionally, the governor addressed the need to expand school choice initiatives and opportunities for all students to have access to the best education possible, regardless of their immediate neighborhood location.

The governor cited the recent population census Hispanic population Kgures in Oklahoma approaching 500,000 with and economic impact of over $10 billion annually and greatly adding to the tax base of every part of the Oklahoma economy. He mentioned that there are now over 15,000 Hispanic owned businesses in Oklahoma with the Hispanic population being the largest ethnic minority in the state.

Hispanic Council Chairman, Fred Mendoza applauded the tremendous energy, expertise, leadership and professional diversity which comprises the Governor’s Council.

“This Governor’s Council has championed the establishment of the Mexican Consulate in Oklahoma City, the appointment of numerous Hispanic leaders to Oklahoma boards and commissions,” Mendoza said, “and [it] recognizes the availability of Hispanic leadership to keep building Oklahoma at all levels of professional endeavors and in all communities in Oklahoma.”

Mendoza also assured the Council of its “expanding role in all levels of governmental affairs.”