Top Three Legislative Priorities:

Economic Development Incentives - Investment and job creation

• Fund the Governor's Quick Action Closing Fund enabling the state to respond quickly to economic opportunities and compete effectively.
• We need economic development incentives that are transparent and are fiscally responsible for continued growth of business across the state. The economic development profession is supportive of reviewing economic incentives to ensure they are being used appropriately in attracting and growing industry, by not only focusing on creating jobs but taking a look at capital asset and investment into the communities that make up Oklahoma.
• Protect the current objectives of Tax Increment Financing as a primary economic development tool.

Education and Workforce Development Training - Creating a quality workforce

Economic Development growth must be coupled with education and training. As economic development professionals we struggle daily with the need to have a skilled workforce and support efforts to improve Oklahoma's workforce and education system:

• Supports the development of a strong workforce by ensuring that Oklahoma's workforce delivery and training programs are the best in the nation that meets the skills needs by employers.
• Support ongoing efforts of the entire education system (common education; institutions of higher learning; and career technology centers) and the business community to assure that what is taught in the classroom is relevant to Oklahoma's current and future workforce needs. Programs include, but are not limited to: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Training for Industry Programs (TIP) and Certified Ready Certificates/Communities (CRC), i.e., WorkKeys, Key Train.
• Support a performance based system for educators and the incorporation of career awareness programs into the common education system while allowing local school districts the flexibility of lengthening the school year.

Workers' Compensation - Alternative coverage and equivalent benefits

We support legislation that will allow Oklahoma employers to obtain alternative coverage in providing workers' compensation, as long as they provide equivalent benefits to protect their workers.