Statement from Senate Democrats regarding first meeting of the Select Committee on Business Retention and Economic Development

Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statements about the first meeting of the Select Committee on Business Retention and Economic Development.

“I think this group has a lot of potential to do beneficial work for our state. However, its success will depend on the committee’s willingness to be honest with ourselves about the challenges facing Oklahoma, and not cherry-pick the facts based on what we want to hear. We will have to ask hard questions and may not like all the answers. We must be willing to make changes that we may not be immediately comfortable with.”  – Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd

“I was glad to hear so many of our colleagues share our concerns about over-reliance on tax incentives as a business recruitment tool. We know that our current tax burden and incentives are very competitive and that employers look at other metrics like quality of life and a qualified workforce when making decisions. We should be seeking job development opportunities that come with high wages and competitive benefits. Our obligation is to Oklahoma residents.” – Sen. Julia Kirt

-END-

For more information, contact:

Sen. Kay Floyd at 405-521-5610 or Kay.Floyd@oksenate.gov

Sen. Julia Kirt at 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov