Economic volatility has caused upheaval in our state budget for years. Resulting tensions and cuts to core services, including education and health care, have placed considerable strain on our state. Yesterday, Governor Fallin signed an executive proclamation placing State Question 800, the Oklahoma Vision Fund, on the November 6 ballot. As recommended in our OK2030 plan, SQ 800 will grow revenue for Oklahoma and make our state budget less vulnerable to the cyclical nature of the energy industry—without raising taxes. 

“The Oklahoma Vision Fund is a step forward for our state in ensuring better preparation and protection are given to core services,” said State Chamber President and CEO, Fred Morgan. “SQ 800 does not increase taxes on any voter, company or industry and will allow Oklahoma greater fiscal stability in times of economic trouble.”

SQ 800 puts a percentage of existing tax revenue from oil and natural gas production into an investment fund—called the Oklahoma Vision Fund—that would be managed by the Oklahoma State Treasurer. Income from the fund would be placed in the state’s general revenue fund to supplement and stabilize the state budget.

“State Question 800 creates the Oklahoma Vision Fund to secure a stronger, more stable fiscal future for Oklahoma,” said State Chamber Research Foundation Executive Director, Dr. Jennifer Lepard. “Without raising taxes, SQ 800 will provide a new source of revenue to smooth budget volatility amid a fluctuating economy.”

Nearly every other energy-producing state already has a similar fund to protect themselves from the cyclical nature of the energy economy.

Contact: Cordon DeKock or Jennifer Lepard

The Trump Administration and Congress took significant actions in July to support education opportunities across the country.

A July 19, 2018 executive order from President Trump calls for the development of a national strategy to ensure all Americans have access to innovative education and adequate job training. With support and affirmation from the business community, the Trump Administration is encouraging the expansion of programs that educate, train and reskill American worke r s —from students just entering the workforce to those nearing retirement. Part of the executive order calls for the creation of the National Council for the American Worker , which will bring together public, private, education, labor and non-profit sectors to develop the national strategy for employment growth. Companies are taking the “ Pledge to America’s Workers” to commit to expanding opportunities that will spur over 500,000 new career opportunities.

In addition to the executive order, Congress passed and President Trump signed the reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins CTE), last reauthorized in 2006. The career and technical education programs administered with Perkins CTE funding focus on secondary and post-secondary students who are seeking skills for career pathways in a variety of industries. The Trump Administration estimates the Perkins CTE reauthorization will benefit more than 11 million students across the country. The reauthorization language offers states more authority to determine their own goals for the $1.2 billion federal grant program. To read more about the reauthorization of Perkins CTE, click here.

Contact: Emily Shipley

Registration is now open for our 2018 Health Care Summit. Health care affordability and accessibility affects businesses of all types, shapes and sizes. The State Chamber is planning a Health Care Summit this fall to highlight innovations that will shape the future of the industry and to discuss potential reforms to improve Oklahoma’s health care.

The Health Care Summit is an all-day event on October 10 at the new Hilton Garden Inn – Edmond Conference Center (2833 Conference Drive, Edmond, OK 73034). This event is designed for State Chamber member companies, Oklahoma elected officials and others interested in learning more about health care reforms that offer innovative solutions and create unique partnerships in the health care arena.

Contact: Emily Shipley

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest annual wage per employee for all industries in the state of Oklahoma in 2017 was in Grant County. Click here to view an interactive visualization of industry stats by county in Oklahoma.

Our free mobile DC Fly-In app is now available! Thanks to our app sponsor, Acorn Growth Companies, you can quickly access agendas, speakers, attendees, sponsors, interactive maps and much more.

To download the app on your mobile device, search State Chamber Events in the App or Google Play store. Then open the app and tap on 2018 Washington D.C. Fly-In to get started.

If you haven’t registered yet, you can still do so! At our signature DC Fly-In event, you’ll hear from our Congressional delegation and national thought leaders on pivotal issues impacting businesses now including trade, tariffs, education, net neutrality and energy policy. We’ll also examine how the midterm elections and recent Supreme Court activity could shape the future of our state and nation. Our DC Fly-In event also delivers engaging sessions, high caliber networking and a deeper understanding of the dynamics impacting business and politics today.

Members: $150    Non-Members: $250

*Special Dinner Event: $200 (*This event is not included in your registration fee and requires purchase of a separate ticket)

Visit http://www.okstatechamber.com/events to view the agenda and sponsorship opportunities! Register Now