Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has sparked controversy by vetoing a bill to continue funding the state’s public broadcasting station, OETA. The Republican governor said he made the decision because he believes PBS, which OETA broadcasts, is using “tax dollars to indoctrinate kids” with LGBTQ content. Here are some of the details and reactions to his move and what it means for OETA and its viewers.
The Veto and the Reasons Behind It
Stitt vetoed House Bill 2004 last week, which would have reauthorized OETA as the state’s public broadcaster until January 2026. The bill had passed both state legislature chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Stitt said he vetoed the bill because he thinks OETA is outdated and unnecessary. In addition, he said he does not see why taxpayers should fund a station that competes with private broadcasters and streaming services.
He also said he vetoed the bill because he objects to some of the programming that PBS shows, especially those that feature LGBTQ characters and themes. In addition, he said he does not want Oklahomans to use their tax dollars to “indoctrinate kids” and “overly sexualize” them.
He cited examples such as Sesame Street, which introduced a character’s brother and his husband last year; Clifford the Big Red Dog, which featured two women who were both called “Mom” by a child; and Work It Out Wombats!, which included a lesbian kangaroo couple who adopted a child.
The Impact and the Response to the Veto
Stitt’s veto means that OETA will lose its status as the state’s public broadcaster on July 1. This could have serious consequences for OETA and its viewers, especially in rural areas where OETA is the only broadcaster that covers all 77 counties.
OETA receives about $3.8 million from the state, which accounts for about 40% of its budget. The rest comes from federal grants, donations, and sponsorships. Without state funding, OETA could face financial difficulties and cutbacks in its services and programs.
OETA also provides emergency alerts, educational resources, and local news and documentaries unavailable elsewhere. OETA has been operating since 1956 and is the most-watched PBS station in the country, with over 650,000 viewers a week.
Stitt’s veto has been met with criticism and opposition from various groups and individuals, including lawmakers, educators, viewers, and LGBTQ advocates. They have argued that Stitt’s veto is shortsighted, misguided, and discriminatory.
They have said that OETA is a valuable public service that informs, educates, and entertains Oklahomans of all ages and backgrounds. They have also said that PBS’s programming is diverse, inclusive, and respectful of different perspectives and experiences.
Some have also compared Stitt’s veto to censorship and an attack on freedom of speech and expression. They have said that Stitt is trying to impose his personal views on what Oklahomans should watch and learn.
The Outlook and the Possibility of an Override
Stitt’s veto is not final yet. The state legislature could override his veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. However, this would require some Republicans to vote against their party leader.
The bill’s author, Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, said he plans to seek an override vote before the legislative session ends on May 28. However, he hoped his fellow Republicans would support him and uphold their original votes.
McBride said he believes Stitt’s veto is based on misinformation and misunderstanding of OETA’s role and mission. He wants to educate Stitt and others about OETA’s benefits and achievements.
He also disagreed with Stitt’s claim that PBS is indoctrinating kids with LGBTQ content. Instead, he said that PBS reflects reality and teaches kids about diversity and tolerance.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed state PBS funding, accusing the network of using “tax dollars to indoctrinate kids” with LGBTQ content. His veto could end OETA’s operations as the state’s public broadcaster on July 1. His veto has been criticized by many groups and individuals who value OETA’s services and programs. The state legislature could override his vetogislature if enough Republicans join Democrats in voting against him.