Morgan: Stay on track for prosperity (The Journal Record Monthly Column - Oct 2014)
Advocating for business never stops at the State Chamber and the coming of autumn means we’re focusing on developing an agenda for next year’s legislative session.
For the first time, the State Chamber held meetings around the state to get input from local chamber of commerce officials, economic development representatives and others about what issues are most important to them. Those issues get turned into what we call Key Legislative Principles for Business and become part of our agenda.
The Key Legislative Principles are the foundation for continuing the impressive economic boom Oklahoma is experiencing and make this the best state in the nation in which to own and operate a business.
The Key Legislative Principles Program is an important collaboration that provides strength in numbers when advocating for policies at the state Capitol.
Some of our greatest successes, such as workers’ compensation and lawsuit reforms, came about because of a united effort of business leaders and community groups like local chambers of commerce. It also helps when trying to fight bad legislation that would end up stifling growth and opportunity.
Our Key Principles include issues like economic development, taxation, energy and transportation that affect all Oklahomans. Meetings were held in places like Lawton, Ardmore and Enid because encouraging the revitalization of rural Oklahoma is one of the Key Principles. We heard loud and clear that there is a need for more affordable and market-rate housing in many of these communities, especially since many are growing fast with the influx of new jobs.
Oklahoma is a better place to do business now because of reforms and programs the business community supported. We need to keep the momentum going. Our tax system should allow the economy to grow while being fair to business. We need to make sure there are people with the right skills for every job created. Also, the regulations imposed by federal, state and local governments need to be reviewed and streamlined.
All of this and more will be part of the agenda our members develop through the committees they serve on. With the input and cooperation of our Key Legislative Principles partners, Oklahoma will continue down the path of prosperity for the benefit of everyone in the state.
Fred Morgan is president and CEO of the State Chamber of Oklahoma.