On the same day Oklahoma learned it lost in competition with Canada to land a new Volkswagen EV battery plant, the leader of the State Senate announced he was going to do something about the state always coming in a loser for such economic competition.
“There is no reason for us to continuously lose out to another state in this country on major business developments,” said Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat in announcing the development of a business retention and economic development select committee.
He said the committee will study the current economic landscape in Oklahoma in an attempt to attract more employers and major investments in Oklahoma.
“Oklahoma has abundant resources, qualified employees and a legislature and executive branch that is friendly to the business community,” said Pro Tem Treat.
The Republican leader said Oklahoma has a history of going out of its way to offer advantages other states cannot.
“That is why I am determined find the common denominator as to why we aren’t being chosen and figure out how we can become more attractive to businesses looking to expand or relocate. We will hear from business experts, company executives, state offiicials and everyone else to make Oklahoma more attractive to major employers.”
Pro Tem Treat will chair the committee and will announce appointees, meeting dates, times and locations at a later date.