Solid education system is economic driver for state
Oklahoma’s potential to create a 21stcentury economy is being undermined by a failure of our state leaders to prioritize education and workforce initiatives. The radical policies of the state schools superintendent don’t go unnoticed nationally. The state’s public education system is in chaos. This has a chilling effect on economic development. Political rhetoric seems to trump actual actions to move our economy forward. A business could not succeed under these circumstances. Neither will our state.
However, we can change course. But it means reforms and progressive leadership with a true focus on economic development for all Oklahomans. End division and focus on bringing all of our economic advantages together. We must utilize government, tribal, educational and business partnerships for economic development.
We must improve education — once and for all. It is a leadership failure not to prioritize and maximize investment in education and workforce development. Every Oklahoman in this state deserves a chance to succeed. It begins with educational reform. The increase in funding of K-12 education last year is not enough. We are ranked 50th by Wallethub in quality of education and workforce. Despite old rhetoric by the governor, we remain in the bottom 10 of virtually every major category.
The Brookings Institute and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, supported by decades of research, find investment in education, an educated workforce, is the foundation for economic growth. First-class educational systems mean first-class economies.
Education could be a deal breaker with businesses considering Oklahoma. Make this our priority. It also requires working partnerships with the tribes, which are essential for workforce development and education in rural Oklahoma. They invest heavily in education — from elementary to higher ed. The tribes are a unique economic asset for Oklahoma. Let’s utilize this.
Oklahoma, as a small state competes with much larger states. To advance, we need all our resources and unique advantages mobilized together. Hence, an aggressive, coordinated approach. Tribes contribute over $15 billion annually to a $100 billion economy. Our state budget approaches $12 billion.
We need a long-term strategy for use of state revenue for education and economic development — not year-to-year budgeting. Today, Oklahoma falls 15% short in meeting industry needs. To recruit and keep businesses, we need a 21st-century educational system and workforce. We say we are business friendly, yet we rank 41st among states best for business.
Other states have assertive approaches, highly funded and dedicated to economic development and education.
Tennessee and Oklahoma were similar 40 years ago. Predominantly agricultural and with mining vs. oil. Tennessee with 4.6 million people; Oklahoma 2.9 million.
This has changed dramatically. Tennessee formed a separate department of Economic and Community Development and Council apart from the Commerce Department’s administrative functions.
Tennessee focused resources on business recruitment, viable incentives, infrastructure and workforce. Their economy catapulted ahead. Today, Tennessee is home to over 18 Fortune 1000 Corporate Headquarters, expanded automobile manufacturing and continual investments by new business. Tennessee now outranks Oklahoma in every category. Tennessee has a diversified economy and over 7.1 million people to Oklahoma’s 4 million. Its GDP is 16th at $524 billion; Oklahoma is 43rd at $249 billion. The difference: Tennessee prioritized business development and diversification, investment and workforce.
In business you need to reinvest income to grow. It is the same for this state. The polarizing climate in Oklahoma politics negatively impacts business development. State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters has done uncalculated damage to our state’s image and view as a business-friendly state. Businesses consider their employees’ families’ education as a major point in their expansion plans. Walters’ unhinged political agendas are self-serving and hurt our expansion efforts. Off-handed disparaging remarks by legislators gain national attention. Businesses and their boards look closely. They may ask, “Is Oklahoma truly the best place to relocate employees — and their families?”
Education matters. Our per pupil expenditure is dismal. We are 45th in the nation. All Oklahoma students, from rural to inner city, deserve the same educational and career pathways. Regardless of persuasion. If we do not improve our public education our economy will not grow. It is as simple as that.