ECONOMIC
EDUCATION
FEDERAL ISSUES
Edmond and Oklahoma must foster opportunities for attracting, retaining, and expanding business.
The University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma Christian University, Edmond Public Schools, and Francis Tuttle Technology Center are vital to the continued strength of the Edmond area economy.
Issues on the Federal level have a direct impact on the Edmond business community.
Priority Item: Support innovative workforce and economic development policy to keep Edmond and Oklahoma competitive. •
Support legislation to help recruit and retain teachers and support staff.
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Support the modernization of economic development, business retention, and business attraction.
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Support the incentives being reviewed by the Incentive Evaluation Commission that show positive returns to the economy. Support performance-based incentives and policies for business recruitment and retention including those that show positive returns such as the Oklahoma large and small Quality Jobs Program, the Tourism Development Act, and the Quality Events Act. Support, enhance, defend, and fully fund the 5-year Manufacturers Exemption, Aerospace Engineer, Cyber Security and Software Tax Credits. Support legislation to address issues related to the state’s marijuana industry including an employers’ right to maintain a drug-free workplace, unlicensed growers, and illegal land purchases.
Priority Item: Advance and support strategies for equitable and competitive funding for the hiring and retention of a qualified workforce, including faculty and staff, for PK-16 to provide high quality instruction and the ability to offer competitive compensation, directly impacting the ability to attract and retain a highly qualified workforce. •
Support increased resources and access to resources for health and wellbeing needs, including mental health, of PK-16 students, teachers, faculty, and staff.
Priority Item: Secure additional federal
funding for infrastructure improvements within the Edmond area. •
Support federal immigration reform to secure the borders and establish reasonable and effective visa policies/ procedures to attract workforce for critical occupations.
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Support accessibility and affordability for higher education: Pell Grants, TRIO, work study, Farm and Family Business.
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Support efforts to maintain quality healthcare at a reasonable cost by giving more local control. Support market-driven health reforms and delivery-including telehealth and increase access to mental and physical healthcare.
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Expand accessibility for concurrent enrollment.
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Support flexible funding for PK-16 to incentivize programs and building maintenance.
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Oppose any legislation to allow the carrying of weapons on college or Career Tech campuses or businesses.
Support federal legislation for safe banking to allow legal marijuana businesses access to full banking services.
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Oppose unreasonable federal mandates on fuels.
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Support funding and access to higher
TRANSPORTATION A quality transportation infrastructure is critical to sustained economic growth.
Priority Item: Continue to support expedited funding in Eight-Year plan for Interstate 35 corridor improvements to ease congestion and improve safety. • Modernize Oklahoma’s state highway funding and protect the Eight-Year Construction work plan as a primary input into the safety and well-being of our citizens and the growth and sustainability of Oklahoma’s economy. •
Support all modes of transportation including commercial transit and passenger rail service to meet the needs of the traveling public and the demands of our growing economy.