Rep. Fugate Sues Gov. Stitt Over Work Mandate

Oklahoma state Rep. Andy Fugate has filed a lawsuit against Governor Kevin Stitt challenging an executive order mandating full-time state employees return to in-office work by February 1. Fugate argues that Stitt's order violates the constitutional separation of powers by overstepping the governor's authority and effectively creating new law without legislative approval. The lawsuit seeks a temporary and permanent injunction to block the order's enforcement, emphasizing the disruption caused to employees who have adapted to remote work. Stitt defends the order by arguing that in-office work ensures efficiency and accountability to taxpayers, labeling Fugate's lawsuit as typical 'big government Democrat behavior.' Fugate asserts that employment conditions should be set by the Legislature and maintains that the lawsuit is a constitutional challenge, not a partisan attack. The controversy highlights ongoing debates over remote work's role in public sector efficiency and governance.