- Associated Press - Wednesday, January 30, 2019

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Latest Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and legislative leaders discussing their priorities for the upcoming session at The Associated Press’ annual legislative forum (all times local):

12:50 p.m.

Oklahoma’s new governor and Republican leaders in the House and Senate each are expressing a willingness to consider some version of a Medicaid expansion that would extend health insurance to thousands of Oklahoma’s uninsured.

Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt opposed the idea while on the campaign trail but told reporters Wednesday he was open to the concept if the state was given enough flexibility.

Both Stitt and Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat said any expansion plan must allow the state to opt out if the federal government reduces its matching funds. House Speaker Charles McCall also said he’s open to the idea of seeking a federal waiver that would allow Oklahoma to develop its own expansion plan.

About one in seven Oklahomans is uninsured.

Stitt and Treat spoke at a gathering hosted by The Associated Press.

___

5:50 a.m.

Oklahoma’s new governor and other state political leaders are set to outline their goals for the upcoming legislative session.

Gov. Kevin Stitt is expected to speak Wednesday at a gathering hosted by The Associated Press at the state Capitol.

Joining Stitt will be other Republican leaders including House Speaker Charles McCall and Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat. House Democratic Leader Rep. Emily Virgin and Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Kay Floyd also plan to speak.

Treat announced Tuesday that Senate Republicans are agreeable to Stitt’s request for power to hire and fire directors of the state’s largest agencies.

Stitt is expected to reveal more of his plans Feb. 4 during a State of the State address .

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