Hines, Miller to Pilot Oklahoma Aerospace Caucus

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Kelly Hines, R–Oklahoma City, has been named the new chairman of the Oklahoma Legislature’s Aerospace Caucus as the state’s aerospace and aviation industry surges, driving major economic growth and creating more jobs across the state.

Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, the founder and caucus chair, has selected Hines to succeed him in leading the influential caucus that promotes public policies supporting the viability of Oklahoma’s aviation and aerospace industry.

“After seven successful years of leading the caucus, I am confidently passing the torch, proud of the remarkable policy and appropriations achievements that this legislative body has fueled to propel the growth of the state’s fastest-growing industry,” Pugh said. “Senator Kelly Hines, a distinguished retired Army aviator, is the clear choice to lead the caucus into its next era of innovation and pro-growth initiatives.”

Pugh, a former U.S. Air Force officer, and other like-minded lawmakers formed the bipartisan and bicameral caucus in 2019 to support the growth of the aerospace and defense industry in Oklahoma. The caucus was started as a growing number of military officials, aerospace and defense representatives, government agencies and education leaders were actively advocating for the expansion of this critical sector across Oklahoma.

Pugh said one of the nation’s leading aerospace and aviation companies told him in 2019 that Oklahoma’s commitment to the industry — demonstrated by the creation of a dedicated caucus — had not gone unnoticed within the aerospace business community. He added that other states are now asking Oklahoma lawmakers and state leaders to mentor them in finding their own formulas for success.

“I’m unbelievably honored to be chosen to lead the Legislature’s Aerospace caucus, which has championed a series of reforms to grow the state’s second-largest industry,” Hines said. “After nearly 30 years as an Army aviator and aviation commander, I’m ready to use that experience to strengthen our workforce, support innovation and ensure Oklahoma remains a national leader in aerospace.”

When established, the Oklahoma Aerospace Caucus was one of the first of its kind among state legislatures. It holds monthly meetings during the legislative session, which are supported by staff from the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. Outside of session, caucus members have visited companies, military bases and airports throughout the state.

Hines has appointed Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, to be the new vice chair of the caucus.

“Aerospace is an industry I care deeply about and a key reason Oklahoma continues to grow and compete on a national level,” Miller said. “Through my family’s experience with military and commercial aviation on a personal level, and professionally through the Legislature’s sustained investment in aviation and aerospace over the past several years, I have seen firsthand the skill, dedication and hard work required to support and grow this industry. I am honored to serve as vice chair and look forward to continuing our work to strengthen the workforce and move Oklahoma forward.”

Under the leadership of Hines and Miller, the caucus will continue to highlight the contributions of local aerospace and defense companies, address pressing challenges facing the industry and work to attract new investment in this sector.

Over the last several decades, Oklahoma has implemented a series of aggressive policies to establish itself as a national leader in the aerospace and defense industry. These policies focus on tax incentives, workforce development, infrastructure investment in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and expanding the commercial space industry.

“Aerospace generates $44 billion annually for Oklahoma’s economy, and this sector supports 120,000 direct jobs, with an average salary of $73,300,” said Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City. “Oklahoma is home to two of the largest centers in the world specializing in aircraft overhaul, maintenance and repair. Maintaining this growing industry is vital to diversifying Oklahoma's economy.”

For more information, contact: Sen. Kelly Hines at (405) 521-5632 or Kelly.Hines@oksenate.gov

or Rep. Nicole Miller at (405) 557-7375 or Nicole.Miller@okhouse.gov.