Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday accused Democrats of protecting the status quo after the minority party criticized his agency reform proposal, which Republican leaders expressed support for this week.

“This shouldn't be a partisan issue at all, this is about managing state government,” Stitt, a Republican, said about a series of bills that would restructure the boards of five state agencies, while also giving him the authority to hire the agency directors.

In a brief interview with The Oklahoman, Stitt said, “If (Democrats) are going out and trying to immediately attack these things it’s just typical partisan politics, which is frustrating because we are all Oklahomans here.”

House Minority Leader Emily Virgin said she doesn’t believe voters want changes made to state boards. Virgin said she and other Democrats met with Stitt on Monday to discuss the proposal.