Okla. legislature dedicates $1.5 million to the 1921 centennial commemoration

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Tulsa Regional Chamber applauds state budget, OneVoice victories

TULSA, Okla — “Gov. Kevin Stitt and legislative leaders in the House and Senate cooperated to produce a historic budget that funds schools and teacher salary increases two years in a row. We applaud them for focusing on the many priorities Oklahoma needs to continue on a prosperous path, including funding for critical infrastructure, efforts to reform criminal justice policies and economic development incentives.

“Today’s budget is a success for the Chamber’s OneVoice Regional Legislative Agenda, a policy roadmap endorsed by more than 75 northeast Oklahoma organizations. The agenda contains 15 state priorities focused on ensuring a prosperous economy, building infrastructure critical to business success and maintaining a healthy, educated workforce.

“Direct OneVoice victories include a historic amount of funding for classrooms and teacher retention. Improving educational outcomes is one of the most valuable investments Oklahoma can make for increased economic prosperity. Better schools also give us an edge to attract new employers and their families to Oklahoma. Chamber advocacy efforts have prioritized education funding for many years, and it is heartening to see the leaders at the Capitol strongly invest in schools for a second year in a row.

“Funding for the Department of Transportation’s eight-year plan and $30 million for improving county roads and bridges ensures maintenance stays on track to accommodate companies that rely on transportation of goods to manufacture and sell their products. For economic development, the budget puts $19 million toward the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund, a critical tool that helps Oklahoma compete with neighboring states to attract capital investment and create jobs.

“Additionally, we are encouraged by the legislature’s dedication of $1.5 million to the centennial commemoration of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The memorial efforts will be an important opportunity for the Tulsa community and the state to acknowledge the shared tragedy and point the way toward a future based on diversity, equity and inclusion.

“The Tulsa Regional Chamber is wholly supportive of this budget. With continued cooperation between state leaders and the Tulsa region’s business community, we are confident Oklahoma will perform as a top 10 state.”