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Oklahoma House Democrats have urged Gov. Kevin Stitt to support public schools with a $40 million federal education grant, though the governor suggested using some of the funds for scholarships to private schools.

Democrats sent a letter to Stitt, recommending he use the stimulus funds to assist Oklahoma’s public education system, which serves 700,000 children and more than 90% of students in the state.

“We wrote this letter to make sure the governor understands not only our position but the position of Oklahoma’s education community,” Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, said. “Public money that is earmarked for education should first and foremost go toward improving the educational opportunities for these children.”

A spokeswoman for the governor said officials are considering many projects for the fund, but conversations are still in the early stages.