As a father, I want my children to succeed in life and be able to enter careers that will provide a good living for themselves and their families. But just as importantly, I want them to be able to do that right here in Oklahoma. I think that’s something all parents and grandparents hope for, and it fuels my efforts to enact legislation here at the state Capitol to make that happen.
This past week, I was honored to be given the 2021 Legislative Advocate Award from Select Oklahoma. This independent organization’s mission is to support a healthy economy for the state of Oklahoma through legislative advocacy, education, training and development, professional collaboration and supporting statewide efforts to recruit and retain primary jobs and capital investment.
Members of Select Oklahoma represent rural, suburban and urban interests that are all investing in the development of key economic sectors throughout Oklahoma in partnership with state government, as well as leaders in public, private, tribal and charitable entities. Currently, their membership includes over 130 professionals representing economic development organizations, utilities, non-profits and higher education. Key partners of Select Oklahoma include the Oklahoma Business Roundtable and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
As someone who has created and grown businesses, I understand the importance of passing legislation and public policy that support job creation and economic development, instead of piling on burdensome and unnecessary regulations and red tape that prevent businesses from reaching their full potential for jobs and economic growth.
I also believe those goals go hand in hand with a conservative fiscal approach in how we utilize public resources. We should always look for greater efficiencies that save tax dollars, and work to expand our tax base through economic opportunity, rather than simply raising taxes.
Job creation, innovation, and economic diversification are what I seek for Oklahoma, and those goals guide my work as chair of Business, Commerce and Tourism Committee, cochair of the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Rural Development working group vetting proposed uses for federal pandemic funding, and as co-chair of the state’s Rural Broadband Expansion Council. I feel extremely fortunate to have been appointed to multiple leadership positions in the Oklahoma Senate that reflect my commitment to attracting and expanding businesses and jobs.
I want to thank Select Oklahoma for this Legislative Advocate Award, and for their support on issues and ideas that promote economic development throughout our state, helping ensure our families can continue to make Oklahoma their home for generations to come.
I thank you for the privilege of being your voice at the state Capitol. If you have any questions or concerns about legislation or other issues at the state level, please feel free to contact my office by calling 405-521-5528, or email James.Leewright@oksenate.gov.