2025 Public Policy Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 6 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

22 29 48

2025 PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITIES

PRO-BUSINESS SCORECARD

24 FEDERAL OFFICIALS

26 42

GREATER OKC CHAMBER PAC

OKLAHOMA STATE SENATE

OKLAHOMA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS

CHAMBER LEADERSHIP

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS BENEFACTORS

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber serves as the voice of the city’s business community, engaging with local, state, and national elected officials to advocate for pro-business policies and drive economic development. This is achieved through collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including our members. In 2024 the Chamber partnered with the City of Oklahoma City and the Alliance for Economic Development to develop a strategic plan focusing on infrastructure, business climate, and strategic partnerships—key elements for positioning the city for continued success. Building statewide partnerships in biosciences, aerospace and energy was prioritized, and alongside statewide partners, the Chamber launched Life Science Oklahoma, an industry association designed to drive growth for Oklahoma companies. Additionally, we continue to lead the Build Back Better Regional Grant Program, supporting life sciences expansion and advocating for federal funding for key local initiatives. Tourism in Oklahoma City remained strong, driven by effective marketing and the city’s ability to host major events like the Women’s College World Series and the U.S. Olympic Trials. And voter approval of a hotel-motel tax increase will further enhanced the city’s competitiveness as a destination for conventions and tourism. As always, the Chamber supports business-friendly policies and encourages members to engage in legislative efforts that shape our future. To assist in these efforts, the 2025 Public Policy Guide provides relevant, up-to-date information to help you advocate for the issues that matter most to your business.

If the Chamber can assist you in any way during the upcoming legislative session, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

TERESA ROSE, JD Chair, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Executive Director, Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

BE A BUSINESS ADVOCATE BUSINESS ADVOCACY CENTER The Chamber’s Business Advocacy Center located at

OKCBusinessAdvocate.com makes staying informed on state, federal, and local political developments simple. The Chamber government relations team produces an edition of the “Business Advocate NOW” newsletter per week during the legislative session (Feb-May) and then publishes a newsletter every two or three weeks the rest of the year. With just a few clicks, you can stay current on important political and policy developments at the local, state, and federal levels. We encourage you to sign up to receive the Business Advocate.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS TEAM

The Chamber’s Government Relations Team has combined decades of experience in political and local advocacy, and is laser focused on ensuring the Oklahoma City region continues to grow. These individuals advocate at all levels of government to achieve our public policy priorities and ensure your business has a voice whether at the State Capitol, the halls of Congress, or City Hall.

Christy Gillenwater President & CEO (405) 297-8939 cgillenwater@okcchamber.com

Mike Jackson Sr. Vice President, Government and Community Relations (405) 297-8925 mikejackson@okcchamber.com

Derek Sparks Director of Government Relations (405) 297-8933 dsparks@okcchamber.com

Rhonda Baker Director of Education (405) 297-8990 rbaker@okcchamber.com

Sara Lynn Sadorra Director of Local Government and Community Engagement (405) 297-8940 ssadorra@okcchamber.com

Sarah Barton Sr. Executive Assistant, Government Relations and Education (405) 297-8922 sbarton@okcchamber.com

2025 PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITIES STATE ISSUES

COUNTY GOVERNMENT REFORM The Chamber supports empowering Oklahoma counties to alter their form of government to meet their unique needs. ELECTIONS The Chamber will oppose legislation that would remove flexibility from the election calendar by forcing local elections to be held on specific days, such as during the primary or general elections. WORKERS’ COMP REFORM The Chamber supports defending and improving the comprehensive workers’ compensation reform legislation enacted during the 2013 session. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS The Chamber supports retaining and strengthening the state’s premier economic/community development programs which are critical in attracting new businesses to the state, assisting existing companies expand and encouraging investment in communities across the state. Following are the key programs the Chamber will seek to protect and improve: • Quality Jobs Act, 21st Century QJA, Small Employer QJA and the Prime Contractor QJA

to ensure this key state partner agency is positioned to successfully: 1) market our state on a global and national scale; 2) recruit companies into the state; and 3) support the growth of existing companies. The Chamber supports identifying funding streams for infrastructure and site control/development to enable the successful recruitment of high-economic impact projects.

The Chamber supports establishing “regionally focused” economic development finance tools and structures.

The Chamber supports the creation of incentives that bolster research and development efforts, catalyze early-stage capital deployment and provide the ability for key talent recruitment and retention in our market. The Chamber will support efforts to reinstate the Tax Credit for Energy Efficient Homes and oppose efforts to amend the state’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit in a way that would deter investment in affordable housing. The Chamber will support incentives and other state support to maximize opportunities for public and private investment in research and development, including Oklahoma businesses participating in joint research with Oklahoma’s public research institutions. TAX REFORM The Chamber supports reforming the tax code to better incentivize companies to locate/invest in Oklahoma. TIF DISTRICTS The Chamber supports protecting current state law on Tax Increment Finance Districts to ensure the continued viability of this economic development tool.

• Aerospace Engineer Tax Credit • Investment/New Jobs Tax Credit

• Historical Building Rehabilitation Tax Credit • Cybersecurity/Software Engineer Tax Credit • Five-year Ad Valorem Abatement and Sales Tax Exemption for Manufacturing Facilities • Regional Home Office Insurance Premium Tax Credit

• Tourism Development Act • Filmed in Oklahoma Act

The Chamber supports enacting meaningful strategic and structural reforms to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce

BROADBAND/DATA PRIVACY The Chamber supports:

Oklahoma is offering the most effective, up-to-date and innovative incentives possible.

• Protecting Oklahoma’s pro-investment environment to facilitate the development of telecommunication infrastructure. • Removing barriers to broadband access in Oklahoma such as ensuring providers are reasonably charged for the use of the public rights of way and facilities within the rights of way. • Working with stakeholders to adopt common sense protections regarding data privacy. • Enacting comprehensive federal data privacy legislation to avoid burdensome, complex and conflicting state requirements for providers. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Artificial Intelligence technologies hold immense potential to revolutionize various industries by implementing advancements that can improve business efficiencies and our quality of life. Embracing this transformative technology requires a balanced approach. Oklahoma should foster a supportive environment that both safeguards our fundamental rights and catalyzes the innovation, development and adoption of AI while encouraging a federal solution. LEGAL REFORM The Chamber supports placing a reasonable cap on non- economic damages in personal injury lawsuits. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY/TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY The Chamber supports the development of Advanced Air Mobility/Transportation Technology in OKC and the state, through public/private partnerships, including adequate funding of utility and power requirements necessary for the implementation of safe and reliable autonomous air vehicles (passenger/cargo). INCENTIVE EVALUATION COMMISSION The Chamber supports the Oklahoma Incentive Evaluation Commission (IEC), which was established to make recommendations to the Legislature and governor on which incentive programs are serving their intended purpose and creating economic/community development. If an incentive program cannot show a positive return to the state, it should be scaled back or repealed. The Chamber supports re-positioning and broadening the mission of the IEC to require a thorough review of incentive programs offered by other states be conducted. The purpose of this review would be to learn “best practices” to ensure

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS The Chamber supports protecting the current form of business improvement districts as established in 11 OK Stat § 11-39-101 (2014). The continued viability and effectiveness of these districts is critical to current and future economic development efforts in Oklahoma municipalities. WIND SUBSIDIES The Chamber supports ending the Manufacturer’s Sales Tax Exemption for new wind facilities and requiring the Zero- Emissions Tax Credit to be claimed only as a credit (and not as a refund). GUN LEGISLATION The Chamber supports the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the responsible expansion of gun-owner’s rights in Oklahoma. However, the Chamber will oppose legislation that would allow open/concealed carry of guns into local athletic and high-economic impact events (many of which are required by contract to prohibit weapons), including horse shows, the Oklahoma State Fair, Olympic Qualifiers on the Oklahoma River, high school and collegiate sporting events. The Chamber will oppose legislation to allow guns to be carried on college campuses, as well as legislation to prohibit state and local governments from contracting with companies based upon the company’s position on firearms. The Chamber will lead the efforts of the “Oklahomans for Business and Property Owners’ Rights” coalition to defend against harmful gun legislation and work with the National Rifle Association, the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association and other stakeholders to improve and clarify existing gun laws while, at the same time, ensuring the protection of property rights and public safety. CRIMINAL JUSTICE/SENTENCING REFORM The Chamber supports legislation and funding for sentencing reforms and rehabilitation programs to ease the financial drain on Oklahoma’s criminal justice system, lessen the burden on jails and prisons throughout the state and allow nonviolent offenders to enter the workforce more quickly. The Chamber supports full funding for the County Community Safety Investment Fund, managed by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services pursuant to the terms of SB 844 (2023) and State Questions 780 and 781 (2016).

The Chamber also supports: 1) continuing smart sentencing reform; 2) improving bail and jail practices; 3) making reentry and supervision improvements to reduce fines and fees, enhance workforce opportunities and increase public safety; and 4) securing additional treatment funding. MARIJUANA The Chamber supports additional legislation to address issues related to the state’s marijuana industry, including: 1) unlicensed growers/black market sales; 2) illegal land purchases; 3) damaging use of pesticides; and 4) uncontrolled water use; and 5) impaired driving. PENSION REFORM The Chamber supports protecting the pension reforms which have improved the long-term fiscal condition of the state. WATER The Chamber will work with the governor, state Legislature, City of OKC and other regional stakeholders to ensure the availability of a long-term water supply for central Oklahoma. OIL & GAS TAX The Chamber supports a stable oil and gas tax structure which promotes the investment of drilling capital in Oklahoma. TOBACCO SETTLEMENT ENDOWMENT TRUST (TSET) The Chamber supports the constitutional provisions of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) to support the public health of Oklahomans.

aerospace/defense, education, healthcare, criminal justice and other priorities.

TAX POLICY The Chamber will engage with our Congressional delegation to protect advantageous tax policies and existing tax credit programs. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Artificial Intelligence technologies hold immense potential to revolutionize various industries by implementing advancements that can improve business efficiencies and our quality of life. Embracing this transformative technology requires a balanced approach that fosters a supportive environment that safeguards our fundamental rights and catalyzes the innovation, development and adoption of AI. A federal solution is critical for the United States to remain at the forefront of technological innovation to ensure a secure and prosperous future for all. IMMIGRATION REFORM The Chamber supports federal immigration reform to secure the borders and establish reasonable and effective visa policies/ procedures to attract essential workers to the United States. SECURE AND FAIR ENFORCEMENT BANKING (SAFE) ACT The Chamber supports federal legislation allowing banks to provide financial services to marijuana businesses. BIOSECURE ACT The Chamber supports passage of legislation, the BIOSECURE Act (H.R. 8333), which prohibits entities that receive federal funds from using biotechnology equipment or services from a “biotechnology company of concern” that is designated by the federal government to be associated with a foreign adversary of the United States. PHARMACEUTICAL SUPPLY CHAIN The Chamber supports legislation and policy to promote the domestic development and manufacturing of critical medicines, rather than having them concentrated in a foreign adversary such as China. The Chamber further supports using the CHIPS and Science Act (2022), which promotes the domestic production of semiconductor technology as a model for the effort to ensure that Americans can: 1) drive technology and innovation in the production of pharmaceutical products and 2) not be reliant on importing these products in the event of a global pandemic or other supply shortage.

TREATMENT OF LIMITED CONDITIONS BY PHARMACISTS

The Chamber supports building upon successful efforts by pharmacists during the pandemic to evaluate and initiate treatment for COVID-19 by permitting them to also evaluate and initiate treatment for conditions such as flu, strep, UTI, athlete’s foot, pink eye and head lice. pharmacists during the pandemic to evaluate and initiate treatment for COVID-19 by permitting them to also evaluate and initiate treatment for conditions such as flu, strep, UTI, athlete’s foot, pink eye and head lice.

FEDERAL ISSUES

CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING REQUESTS/ APPROPRIATIONS/FEDERAL GRANTS The Chamber will collaborate with our Congressional delegation to aggressively pursue Congressionally Directed Spending Requests, federal appropriations and federal grants related to the Chamber’s (and its member/partner organizations) economic development, transportation/infrastructure,

2025 EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES

STATE ISSUES

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION Having access to high-quality early childhood care and education programs encourages parental/guardian employment, which creates more economic security and better opportunities for families. The Chamber recognizes that finding solutions to ongoing childcare needs will require collaboration with federal, state and local governments, business and industry, philanthropic and nonprofit community and education providers. The Chamber steadfastly supports early childhood education, prenatal to five years old, and full funding of pre-K and kindergarten programs. Targeted spending on our youngest children is simply a smart investment. LONG-TERM, STRATEGIC EDUCATION FUNDING The Chamber supports development of a long-term strategic plan that will enable improvement in classroom teaching and academic performance. This should include increasing the minimum number of instructional hours, currently 1,080 hours, required for a complete school year. In addition, we are supportive of extended summer learning opportunities and after school programs. We also support ongoing funding to enable schools to achieve targeted classroom sizes.

receive training to help them prepare for challenges facing students such as being English language learners, living in high poverty and from urban areas. • Support specialized “grow-your-own” training initiatives such as the OKCPS Foundation Bilingual & Diversity Teacher Pipeline program (in partnership with UCO, OCCC, Rose State and OSU-OKC), UCO’s Paraprofessional Residency to Educator Pathway (PREP) or other Registered Teacher Apprenticeship programs and partnerships, as well as UCO’s Urban Teacher Preparation Academy for early career teachers that provides progressional development and mentorship. This includes support of programs and resources for teacher preparation and students enrolled part-time and providing public funding streams to supplement private funding initiatives already in place. This could include changing current scholarship and incentive programs to allow support for students taking fewer than 12 hours per semester. • Implement teacher retention and mentor teacher programs. • Support continued investment in the “Inspired to Teach” scholarship and incentive program. • Increase access to STEM education and training opportunities. • Support adjustments to the teacher retirement system and other strategies that help encourage retention and re-entry of experienced teachers and educators. • Encourage development of programs that encourage students to pursue teaching as a profession. This should include increased public relations and advertising campaigns to recruit teachers. It may also include various programs that offer students tutoring experience, such as Oklahoma’s

TEACHER PREPARATION, RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

Oklahoma has a teacher shortage. Oklahoma needs to improve our teacher preparation pipeline systems to train, attract and retain more high-quality teachers. We support legislation to: • Reward teacher performance and experience. • Incentivize teachers to work in high priority areas and

Math Tutoring Corps, Educators Rising and Teach For America’s Ignite Fellowship. • Supporting a teacher and administrative pay system which places it best in class in the region. • Funding and encouraging the use of merit pay systems, such as the Teacher Leader Pipeline. ADJUNCT, ALTERNATIVE AND EMERGENCY CERTIFIED TEACHERS The Chamber recognizes the need for Adjunct, Alternative and Emergency certified teachers will continue to increase. We support efforts to increase retention and make sure these teachers are as prepared as possible and as quickly as possible. We support: • Alternative pathways such as Teach for America that enhance the diversity of the teaching profession. • Educator Prep Programs (EPP) that offer micro-credentials for individuals seeking alternative teacher certifications. • Providing additional pre- and post-school year pathway preparation programs that comprehensively prepare teachers who meet state requirements. • Implementing incentives, such as stipends, scholarships or salary grade adjustments, to increase completion of comprehensive professional development and reduce the timeframe it takes to complete comprehensive professional development. ATTRACT AND DEVELOP HIGH-PERFORMING SCHOOL LEADERS Top-notch school leadership by school superintendents and principals is critical to school performance, teacher retention and school culture. The Chamber supports the creation and implementation of initiatives that attract, retain and develop innovative and high-performing school leaders.

integrity; data security and privacy; data access and sharing; policy and standards compliance; data lifecycle management and oversight. Consideration should also be given to the following: • Data integration and accessibility: the system must be able to integrate data from PK-12, CareerTech, Higher Education, workforce development and early learning systems and the data must be accessible to stakeholders to use while maintaining privacy and security standards. • Timeliness and Quality of Data: The system must ensure real-time or near-real-time data collection and analysis to respond quickly to emerging needs, such as labor market shifts or academic performance trends. The Office of Educational Quality and Accountability serves as the independent oversight and accountability agency for the Oklahoma State Department of Education and reports its findings to the Oklahoma State Legislature. The OSDE must provide data to OEQA within the maximum of ten days of a data request so that valuable educational decisions can be made. • Collaboration between groups: Cooperation between education, workforce and economic development sectors is critical. The system should facilitate collaboration between various state agencies, educational institutions and employers to create a comprehensive system that serves the broader goals of economic competitiveness and workforce alignment. • Sustainability and Funding: Sustainable funding is necessary to ensure the long-term operation, maintenance and upgrading of the system. • Workforce Alignment and Career Pathways: the system must be able to tie educational attainment to workforce outcomes, helping to align educational programming with the evolving needs of industry sectors. The ICAP must be prioritized as a tool administrators use with students. The proper time and effort must be given to help students understand the valuable data derived in this report. This will ensure students are prepared for high-demand careers and the state remains competitive in attracting businesses with a skilled workforce. INCREASING STUDENT LEARNING CAPACITY The Chamber supports providing additional and enhanced learning opportunities that utilize recognized best practices and extended learning opportunities to address student data from Pre-K to Higher Ed student learning loss. It is important to help students catch up by having more time on tasks, including longer school days and additional instructional days. In addition, we are supportive of extended summer learning opportunities and after school programs. A focus on research-based reading and

STATEWIDE LONGITUDINAL DATA SYSTEM The chamber recognizes the need for a robust and

comprehensive Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) as a top priority for advancing education and economic outcomes across our state. The SLDS is essential to ensuring that data- driven decisions guide educational strategies, workforce readiness initiatives and policy development to empower stakeholders, including educational institutions, employers and policymakers, to make informed choices that improve the long-term success of our students and workers. To ensure the system operates effectively, strong data governance is vital. Oklahoma is the only state that DOES NOT have a longitudinal data system, thereby placing a disadvantage on our educational decision makers and stakeholders. Data governance provides the framework of policies, standards and roles to ensure data is used and protected in a responsible manner. Data governance includes data stewardship and ownership; data quality and

literacy programs that work to enable students at all grade levels to improve reading proficiency and comprehension skills is supported. MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS Oklahoma students at all levels face a high level of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). We support initiatives to address the mental and behavioral health of students and all school personnel. The Chamber supports the current law that ensures schools benefit fully from the Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment. It is a robust tool for providing direction to schools, districts and communities to effectively improve the lives of students across a variety of issues. The OPNA is the basis for millions of dollars in federal and state funds that benefit multiple districts across the region. PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS The Chamber supports charter schools and education choices. Charter schools are public schools and are required to adhere to Oklahoma statutes and performance standards. We support creating high-quality charter schools and enabling successful charter schools to grow. This includes online charter schools, schools designed to meet the needs of targeted under resourced populations or schools that provide specific curriculum. We support ensuring that all public schools are funded equitably and that charter schools have access to funding for infrastructure and facilities including buildings that are on par with public schools. OKLAHOMA SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM) has consistently ranked among the nation’s top public high schools. More than half of OSSM graduates stay in Oklahoma, and 85% are choosing STEM careers. Provided the OSSM Board and administration continue to focus on implementing effective policies, procedures and safeguards to improve the school culture, and ensure OSSM is a safe place for all students, faculty and staff, the Chamber will continue to support full funding for the OSSM budget. SPECIALTY SCHOOLS We support state funding for schools that target the specific needs of students experiencing homelessness. This includes schools like Positive Tomorrows, a private nonprofit school in Oklahoma City exclusively serving students in need of housing support with services that help stabilize their families, bring the students up to grade level and prepare them for success in public school.

Further, we support ongoing strategic funding to schools and school programs that support the growing aerospace industry, the number two industry in the state, with 118 Oklahoma high schools that are implementing strong aerospace pathways for students. These schools, that include the Oklahoma Aviation Academy in Norman, are well on their way to developing aerospace pathways that allow students to follow learning trajectories that will lead to rewarding careers in aerospace. Public school districts across the state are partnering with higher education, career tech, industry, airports and workforce development committees to ensure students have the opportunity to engage in high-level, STEM-focused curriculum and learning activities that transform the traditional educational environment. SCHOOL AND CAMPUS SAFETY The Chamber will oppose legislation to permit carrying of firearms at early childhood, pre-K-12, colleges and CareerTech facilities. We will oppose efforts to remove or replace the ability of CareerTech and higher education institutions to regulate firearms on campus. The business community recognizes that national events have created increasing concerns about school safety and that additional protection may require additional funding. TEACHER WELLNESS AND HEALTH We believe our schools should provide a safe and healthy work and learning environment. This includes enabling schools to prevent spread of illness and minimize teacher absences by encouraging all school personnel to take precautionary steps, including getting vaccinated. CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT & WORK-BASED LEARNING The Chamber recognizes the excellent learning opportunities offered at our four-year universities, community colleges and CareerTechs. Students should be allowed and encouraged to begin pursuit of a degree or certification while still in high school. They reduce the amount of time it takes to complete a degree or certificate at a post-secondary institution, which reduces costs and speeds entry into the workforce. We support fully funding tuition, books and fees for seniors and juniors as funding is available. We also support efforts to increase work-based learning opportunities that prepare individuals for careers.

HIGHER EDUCATION – REFORM, INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION The Chamber recognizes a high-quality higher education system is critical to economic growth. Oklahoma City continues to struggle with meeting the workforce needs of its employers, particularly in Critical Occupations (as defined by www. oklahomaworks.gov/criticaloccupations). The business community, governments and higher education continue to face financial challenges. We all must be innovative and flexible to meet the needs of customers and achieve our mission. This includes development of partnerships that produce tech transfer and research partnerships to generate private, federal and foundation revenue. We urge the higher education system to pursue significant reform to better meet employer needs. The business community supports the following reforms: • Higher education funding directed to producing graduates with degrees in Critical Occupations such as engineering, nursing and IT/software/cybersecurity and staying abreast of future career readiness skills including artificial intelligence (AI). • Increased accountability and annual metrics that motivate institutions to increase the number of graduates by requiring timely reporting of degrees produced in Critical Occupations. • Innovative approaches to curriculum and degree offerings, including ongoing analysis of in-demand degree programs and creation of non-degree programs/certificates that create a workforce with needed skills. • Efforts to maximize funding through consolidation and sharing of services, programs and instructors. • New partnerships between four-year institutions, CareerTechs and community colleges that enable schools to share resources, staff and facilities. • Expanded programs that provide financial support and resources for Critical Occupation students enrolled part-time. WORKFORCE/ADULT LEARNING Oklahoma’s workforce has many people who have started college but have not earned degrees. The state also has many individuals who need additional skills or training to meet employers’ needs. The Chamber supports new programs and fiscal solutions to support adult learners’ ability to upskill and complete degrees. HIGHER EDUCATION – EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT To increase the college-educated workforce in the state, the Chamber supports the expansion of the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship tax credit for needs-based scholarships to eligible public college students. This expansion

would generate funding for scholarships by providing tax credits to individuals and businesses who make donations to higher education foundations that provide scholarships. OSRHE FUNDING FORMULA The Chamber supports re-examining current funding formulas and metrics to provide equitable base funding for public higher education institutions from the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education. OKLAHOMA’S PROMISE Oklahoma’s Promise is one of the nation’s most successful college access programs. We oppose legislation that would diminish the program’s focus on college access. We support efforts to increase the number of college graduates and continued direct allocation of state funds, which ensures full funding of scholarships earned by Oklahoma students. CAREER TECH – BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY TRAINING The Oklahoma CareerTech system is acknowledged as one of the top systems in the nation. CareerTech is a key ingredient in attracting industry to Oklahoma through its Training for Industry Program (TIP). The Chamber supports funding to assure training needs for new and existing industry. The business community urges the system to focus on producing a workforce that can meet the needs of in demand and Critical Occupations. CAREER READINESS AND CERTIFICATION The Chamber believes the Oklahoma workforce needs more opportunities to earn post-secondary education, including certifications, degrees, licenses and other training targeting skills that are in demand and meet industry needs. • We support key scholarship programs: Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grants (OTEG) and Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grants (OTAG). • We support concurrent enrollment that enables more students enter college and complete a college degree. • We support development of work-based learning opportunities such as internships and apprenticeship programs. • The Chamber supports collaboration and partnerships with educational organizations and the business community when developing targeted legislation. The new Graduation Requirements legislation brought together all partners and should continue to be the standard moving forward. Education and business-related endeavors serve both Pre-K to Higher Ed student success along with the economic success of our state.

SAFEGUARDING CHILD NUTRITION The Chamber recognizes that nutrition programs play a key role in keeping children in the Oklahoma City region fed. The Chamber supports utilizing and funding programs that best feed the children of the Oklahoma City region. OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION The Chamber requires aligning the OSDE with the goals and priorities herein to best serve the educational needs of the state, as well as any available funding that supports child well- being. The Oklahoma State Department of Education is the state education agency charged with determining the policies and directing the administration and supervision of the public school system of Oklahoma. The State Board of Education is responsible for overseeing that these duties are completed. The restructuring of this board for increased accountability is supported. Adding two appointees from the House and two appointees from the Senate to the current appointee membership by the Governor will increase accountability and oversight for these functions taking place. ARTS AND ARTS EDUCATION The Chamber supports public funding for arts and arts education in schools as a means to spotlight our history and culture, attract tourism, bolster our local economy and elevate our brand throughout the region. The Chamber supports visual and performing arts in our schools as a means to nurture well-rounded individuals and help create a more engaging and dynamic learning environment. Research shows that such programs enhance critical thinking and problem-solving, boost academic performance and prepare students for a diverse range of careers.

with a release date by October 1 each year increasing accessibility to financial support for student applicants; therefore, providing students and institutions time to effectively plan for financial aid, and in turn aligning associated data reporting. Delays in FAFSA processing and inadequate communication can hinder college access, which in turn negatively impacts workforce development. Ensuring timely financial aid decisions is critical to supporting students in pursuing postsecondary education and filling workforce needs in high-demand sectors. • Pell Grants and TRIO: The Chamber supports continued availability of Pell grants to help students pay for higher education and short-term Pell grants for students seeking credentials or other nondegree education/training. We also support federally funded TRIO grants that help disadvantaged individuals prepare for and succeed in higher education. • Farm and Small Business Exemptions – The Chamber supports efforts to help students who are from families who

are farmers or small business owners maximize their eligibility for federal financial support to pay for higher education.

SAFEGUARDING CHILD NUTRITION The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber recognizes that federal nutrition programs play a key role in keeping children in the Oklahoma City metro region fed. The Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act has not been updated in more than a decade. The Chamber supports the reauthorization of this act to better serve the children of the Oklahoma City community. The Chamber supports using all available federal funding to support the health, mental health and wellbeing of our future workforce, using all available tools to ensure the academic success of our students. This includes ensuring the state administers the summer EBT programs to ensure students are fed.

FEDERAL ISSUES

HELPING STUDENTS PAY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION The Chamber recognizes that students need financial resources to complete post-secondary education. We support broad outreach and awareness of financial resources available to potential Oklahoma college students and young adults such as FAFSA, concurrent enrollment, Reach Higher, Oklahoma’s Promise and others: • FAFSA Completion: The Chamber supports efforts to increase the number of students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) because it helps students learn about how to pay for higher education. The Chamber supports efforts to ensure a timely, reliable and accessible application process for students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA),

2025 HEALTH CARE PRIORITIES

STATE ISSUES

MEDICAID REFORM As the state continues to improve health outcomes and modernize payment models to incentivize value within the state’s Medicaid system, the Chamber supports the continued delivery of optimal outcomes by the state’s Medicaid Managed Care Model. We further believe this model is the most effective means to address the state’s total health care needs on a systemwide basis. The Chamber supports protecting the current Medicaid supplemental payments or equivalent programs to our state’s medical schools and their hospital partners to ensure uninterrupted funding for medical education and the other unique services each provide. INSURE OKLAHOMA The Chamber supports continued efforts to protect, preserve and further improve Employer Sponsored Insurance (ESI) offered under the state’s Insure Oklahoma program. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT The Chamber supports efforts to foster an environment that is conducive to further research and will oppose efforts to unreasonably restrict the continued development of the state’s bioscience and research programs. The Chamber will further support marketing Oklahoma as a rising research, product and technology development hub; support start-ups, engage in intentional efforts to attract scientists, engineers, and researchers back to market; and work to retain our premiere research workforce.

CLINICAL TRIALS The Chamber will support Oklahoma’s position as a market for excellence in clinical trials. OKLAHOMA CITY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT The Chamber supports local public health efforts/responses and, therefore, supports protecting the independence of the Oklahoma City County Health Department. TRIBAL AND RURAL HEALTH CARE The Chamber supports the continued development of Oklahoma’s rural and tribal health care systems and entities that create products, services, technologies and treatments that further health outcomes for American Indian and rural populations. WORKPLACE VIOLENCE The Chamber supports maintaining continued focus on protecting Oklahoma’s health care workforce that is facing increased incidences of violence in the workplace. VACCINE MANDATES The Chamber supports allowing each company/business to determine whether to mandate vaccinations for its employees. HEALTH CARE MANDATES The Chamber opposes new health insurance mandates and liabilities that will undermine an employer’s ability to provide quality health insurance at a reasonable cost to employees.

The Chamber further opposes new mandates being placed on physicians, hospitals and providers that will increase the cost of providing quality health care in Oklahoma. PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE The Chamber opposes a state-mandated and/or state-run paid family and medical leave program of any kind imposed on Oklahoma employers. NETWORK PROTECTION The Chamber opposes legislation, restrictions, regulations and taxes which would eliminate the incentive for medical providers to contract with managed care networks and, as a result, potentially frustrate efforts at cost and quality control and ultimately deny consumers the benefits of cost-reducing arrangements with providers. The Chamber further opposes legislation that would interfere with an employer’s ability to offer affordable health benefits due to a reduced ability to control benefit plans relating to prescription drugs. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INSURANCE SECURITY ACT (ERISA) PROTECTIONS The Chamber opposes legislative efforts to undermine federal ERISA protections MEDICAL EDUCATION FUNDING The Chamber supports maintaining physician training funding for the state’s two largest medical schools in the base budgets of the University Hospitals Authority and Oklahoma State University Medical Authority. PHYSICIAN AND NURSING SHORTAGE/RURAL AND UNDERSERVED ACCESS The Chamber supports the following initiatives to address health care disparities: 1) incentivizing the recruitment and retention of primary care physicians, specialty physicians, mental health professionals and allied health professionals in rural, underserved and other areas; 2) expanding residency programs for the state’s medical schools; and 3) strengthening the health care workforce by expanding programs that train medical professionals as well as the number of available nursing school spots, and supporting the success of the Oklahoma Nursing Center. The Chamber supports efforts to identify new public funding streams dedicated to these initiatives. The Chamber also supports the appropriate expansion of existing technology platforms, such as telemedicine and telehealth, and data platforms to enhance access to health care for Oklahomans.

The Chamber supports Oklahoma’s participation in medical compacts to improve access to high-quality health care.

WORKFORCE AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT The Chamber supports efforts to grow and bolster talent pipelines of skilled professionals to fill cutting-edge research, scientific and health care roles critical to our health and life science economies. TOBACCO SETTLEMENT ENDOWMENT TRUST (TSET) The Chamber supports the constitutional provisions of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) to support the public health of Oklahomans, and to support research and grant functions of the programs. APPROPRIATIONS SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS The Chamber supports adequate state funding for community health centers to provide quality health care to underserved Oklahomans, prevent cost shifting to other entities and maintain a healthy workforce for Oklahoma’s employers. HEALTH CARE FUNDING The Chamber supports protecting existing public health care revenue streams and opposes cuts to the state Medicaid budget that would increase the burden of uncompensated care and shift costs to employers and health care providers. The Chamber further supports a stable funding and tax structure for the health care industry to promote optimal care delivery and innovation.

The Chamber will further encourage state investment in support of the biosciences industry and associated clusters.

CHILD CARE The Chamber supports targeted policies designed to increase availability of non-mandated, high-quality childcare and out of school time options to help generate increased workforce development. WELLNESS INITIATIVES The Chamber supports the following state and local initiatives, including wellness, disease prevention and care programs, that serve to improve the physical, behavioral and mental health of Oklahoma citizens: tobacco prevention programs; efforts to mitigate the harmful health effects of e-cigarettes/vaping; public outreach initiatives; efforts to address health disparities; and workplace and school-based wellness initiatives, including health education and healthy eating programs. and workplace and school-based wellness initiatives, including health education and healthy eating programs.

PREVENTION OF DISEASE The Chamber recognizes the detrimental impact of chronic and communicable diseases (including substance use disorder) on the quality of life for Oklahoma’s residents and the severe economic costs they impose on health care providers and employers. Therefore, the Chamber will support efforts by the state’s elected officials, medical research and public health communities to develop avenues to successfully prevent and combat congenital, chronic, pandemic and communicable diseases. CLEAN INDOOR AIR The Chamber supports legislation to make all indoor areas smoke free as well as legislation to remove smokers, on a non- medical basis, as a protected class in state employment law.

EMPLOYER-DRIVEN MARKET REFORMS The Chamber believes that employers drive innovation in health benefits and supports market-driven health reforms as the best approach to reducing costs while promoting market stability, efficiency, wellness and quality of care. MEDICAID CUTS The Chamber opposes Medicaid cuts that would place increased pressure on reimbursement rates, negatively impact the adequate delivery of critical services to the most vulnerable, exacerbate an already high administrative burden for health care businesses and shift the increased burden of uncompensated care to employers and health care providers. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT The Chamber supports efforts to foster a federal policy environment that is conducive to further research and will oppose efforts to unreasonably restrict the continued development of national bioscience and research programs. PANDEMIC AND ALL HAZARDS PREPAREDNESS ACT (PAHPA) The Chamber will support reauthorization of PAHPA (2006) to comprehensively improve the Nation’s public health and medical preparedness and response capabilities for emergencies, whether deliberate, accidental, or natural. PUBLIC HEALTH GRANTS The Chamber will advocate for federal public health grant dollars to be allocated directly to local city-county health departments. TRIBAL AND RURAL HEALTH CARE/JOINT VENTURE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM The Chamber will protect and enhance federal support for tribal and rural health care including, but not limited to, the Joint Venture Construction Program which is a premiere example of federal-tribal partnership to ensure availability of first-class tribal health care infrastructure.

FEDERAL ISSUES

FEDERAL FUNDING FOR RESEARCH AND HEALTH/LIFE SCIENCE INFRASTRUCTURE: The Chamber supports protecting and increasing funding for life science and health care infrastructure and programs including, but not limited to: the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) This includes: • Protecting the NIH/Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program which has been instrumental in building health research infrastructure in Oklahoma. • Ensuring that NIH continues to provide adequate funds for reimbursement of facilities and administration costs. • Continuing to fund Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs essential for early-stage product and research development. • Enhance connectivity with industry to jointly apply for federal funds supporting healthcare and life science infrastructure and programmatic funding. • Related Farm Bill programs. SINGLE-PAYER HEALTH CARE The Chamber supports improving health care quality, access and affordability without imposing new mandates and/or taxes on businesses or removing employer choice. Therefore, the Chamber opposes a single-payer government-run/public option or health care system with excessive government mandates.

STATE ISSUES 2025 TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES

MAJOR PROJECTS The Chamber supports a continued focus on improvements, mobility and traffic management on the urban Oklahoma City interstate system (I-35, I-44, I-40, I-235) to promote economic development and, therefore, will advocate for full funding and timely completion of work on the following major interchanges/ projects: • I-240/I-35 (Crossroads Interchange). • Major I-35 corridor improvements from 63rd Street NE/I- 44 Interchange north to Waterloo Road, to include the Turner Turnpike Interchange. • I-44/I-40 (K Interchange/Near State Fairgrounds) West to El Reno on I-40. • In support of U.S. Air Force mission critical growth and expansion objectives at Tinker Air Force Base, necessary improvements including increased access at Douglas Boulevard, and expansion of I-40 facility to six lanes from Douglas Boulevard to Shawnee. • I-35/I-40 Dallas Junction and I-35 (including Oklahoma River bridges) • Future development of I-44 corridor from I-40 to SH-62, including SH 152/Airport Road, (southwest OKC to Newcastle) to better provide for future mobility needs due to ongoing commercial expansion. • I-35 corridor investment to address growth and implement key improvements on I-35 from the Red River north to the Oklahoma River. REGIONAL FOCUS The Chamber supports the ODOT/OTA regional transportation focus with the strategic objective of identifying, maximizing,

preserving and protecting existing transportation assets. The Chamber further supports this study’s ultimate strategic goal to create additional transportation capacity to protect and maximize the integrity of the entire regional transportation system to meet the continued dynamic population growth trends and resulting increased traffic loads in our region. TURNPIKE AUTHORITY LONG-RANGE PLAN The Chamber supports the long-range Advancing and Connecting Communities and Economies Safely Statewide (ACCESS) Oklahoma Plan to develop a highly effective and viable state turnpike system, including construction of new access points at appropriate locations across Oklahoma to enhance safety and access, promote economic development and provide and protect adequate revenues to achieve these long- range objectives. As part of this long-range plan, the Chamber specifically supports improvements to the following existing high-speed facilities: • Widening the Turner Turnpike, as an innovation corridor, to six lanes connecting Oklahoma City to Tulsa, the state’s two largest population centers. idening the Turner Turnpike, as an innovation corridor, to six lanes connecting Oklahoma City to Tulsa, the state’s two largest population centers. • John Kilpatrick Turnpike widening from I-40 to I-35, including turnpike improvements at County Line Road to improve access and generate economic development. Further consideration should be given to improvements in the vicinity of Council Road and Rockwell to assist with increased traffic flow generated by ongoing corporate expansion.

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