Economic Development

Tulsa Metro Chamber State Priorities

Support Workforce Incentives - Support the expansion of HB 3239 to include more demand occupations for the following industries: biotechnology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and energy.

Support a State Deal-Closing Fund– Support the establishment of an economic development program funded by annual state appropriations to create a project or “deal closing” fund to attract, grow and retain businesses in Oklahoma.

Tulsa Metro Chamber Federal Priorities

Support the relocation of the Page Belcher Federal Courthouse - Support the relocation of the Page Belcher Federal Building currently located in downtown Tulsa

Labor and Human Resources

1. Support reform of the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation system to:  promote workplace safety; provide an efficient, cost effective system which lowers administrative and legal costs to employers and increases benefits to injured workers to help them recover from workplace injuries and timely return to work.
2. Oppose advancing further state immigration legislation that places Oklahoma employers at a competitive disadvantage or subjects them to regulations beyond those required under federal law.
3. Support fair and balanced tort and employment law reform measures to offer a shield of protection for citizens as well as businesses.
4. Support comprehensive immigration reform. Support measures to secure borders, establish reasonable and efficient visa policies and procedures and comprehensive reform that recognize the need for essential workers so that the U.S. can continue to attract the best and brightest talent from around the world.

Regional Tourism

1. Support Quality Events Incentive Act.
2. Support increased awareness of the economic impact of the tourism industry statewide.
3. Support appropriations for the development of tourist attractions to increase the direct and related economic impact on the state.
4. Support the re-location of the Page Belcher Federal Building currently located in downtown Tulsa.

Small Business

1. Support a statewide Buy Local Preference Initiative by providing an “in state preference” for the supplying of services and products to state agencies.
2. Support the establishment of economic development zones and TIF districts along the Arkansas River to create small business opportunities to spur economic development.
3. Support the establishment of state tax credits to be established for small businesses with 25 employees or less on expenses for informational technology equipment, software and other peripherals.
4. Oppose the Employee Free Choice Act.
5. Support modifying the wage threshold for dual income families by increasing the dual income requirements to be twice the single income and removing any marriage penalty and ensuring the funds are placed in a lock box to prevent use by the state for any other purposes.
6. Support expanding the responsibilities of the Lieutenant Governor by making him or her the official “small business advocate” for the state of Oklahoma.