In the latest Oklahoma Economic Report from the State Treasurer, Senate leader Mike Schulz says while he is a strong supporter of the Oklahoma energy industry, the state still needs to diversify its economy.
Writing in a guest commentary, the Senate President Pro Tempore said, “Oklahoma has more to offer than just oil, natural gas and wind.”
The Republican leader noted that agriculture is “going strong” and “Aerospace is becoming a larger part of our economy each year.”
“We need to assess and examine other areas like those two so that we can develop policies that spur economic growth and job creation in other sectors,” explained Schulz. “This will help insulate us against the ups and downs of the global energy market.”
He maintained the Senate will lay the groundwork this session for the development of a statewide blue print to diversify the state’s economy.
“That blue print will require us to take a critical look at our state,” said Sen. Schulz. “We must eliminate duplicative programs and establish clear benchmarks by which we can measure the effectiveness of those programs that remain.”