Our Top Policy Priorities for 2019
Legislative session kicks off this Monday, and we’re excited to reveal our 2019 Legislative Agenda overviewing our top policy priorities this year. The laws that will be decided at the State Capitol over the next few months have the potential to make or break business profitability and viability. 

Smart policies on economic development, education, energy, health care, infrastructure labor law, taxation, technology, workers’ compensation and more are mission-critical to elevating our economy and making Oklahoma a top 10 state.

Our lobbying efforts will focus on ensuring that Oklahoma is competitively positioned for growth, that government is both efficient and impactful, and that the business community is strongly supported in their efforts to create jobs and opportunities for the entire state.

We encourage you to read the summary agenda or the full-length version and to connect with our team of lobbyists who are dedicated to advocating for your business and industry.
Bills to Stop Chinese Intellectual Property Theft
On Thursday, President Trump voiced confidence that a comprehensive trade deal with China might be reached soon. Theft of intellectual property by China, however, is complicating the already-tense trade and tariff negotiations between the world’s two largest economic superpowers. While President Trump has expressed personal admiration for Chinese President Xi Jinping, he has also repeatedly accused China of unfair trade practices and stealing U.S. intellectual property.

Several bipartisan bills are currently in the works that could help curtail Chinese intellectual property theft. A bill to block the U.S. from selling any technology or intellectual property with national security implications to China was recently reintroduced. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) have also introduced a Senate bill to create a White House office to counter Chinese tech threats. Another proposed bill would block the exportation of American products to Chinese firms that have violated U.S. sanctions, like telecommunications giant Huawei Technologies Co.

Contact: Mike Jackson
Last Week to Register for Legislative Reception!
You won't want to miss the biggest event of the season! Join us for this premier reception offering high-level networking opportunities with Oklahoma’s legislators, state officials and business leaders, as we kick off the 2019 legislative session.

Date:
Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Location:
Oklahoma History Center
800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Schedule:
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.    Board of Directors Meeting & VIP Reception
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.    Legislative Reception (cocktails & hors d'oeuvres will be served)

Pricing:
Member: $100        Non-Member: $150

For questions, contact the Events Department at 405-272-4430 or  lsparks@okstatechamber.com. Be sure to register by Friday, February 8!
Oklahoma Leading in Evaluation of Incentives for Jobs & Economy
Incentives, in their many forms, are essential tools states use for job creation and capital investment. In 2015, lawmakers passed legislation creating the Incentive Evaluation Commission (IEC), which requires evaluation of Oklahoma’s economic development incentives on a four-year rotating cycle. By doing so, we became one of just 11 states leading the nation by rigorously measuring the economic and fiscal impact of our tax incentive programs.

The good news is policymakers are using this data to improve the effectiveness of our incentive programs, enhancing Oklahoma’s economic development efforts. Lawmakers have filed 13 bills during this legislative session to implement many of the recommendations from the IEC. From small modifications in reporting to repealing an unused and outdated incentive program, it appears that the commission’s goal of using evidence to inform policy decisions is being met. For more information about the IEC or bills filed, contact Nicole Boyles. 
Mark your calendars for the following dates! We have a great schedule of events this year featuring influential keynote speakers and high-level networking opportunities with legislators, federal and statewide elected officials and business leaders from around the state. We’ll be adding more events throughout the year, so please visit www.okstatechamber.com/events for the most current and detailed information.

Event sponsorships provide a prime opportunity for your company to be seen by business and community leaders across the state. Ensure your company has a commanding presence and profile in the Oklahoma business community by investing in our Event Sponsorship Program . Or contact Lindsey Sparks for information on exclusive sponsorship opportunities.

February 13    Legislative Reception
                       Oklahoma History Center

June 18           Annual Meeting
                       National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Sept 9-11        Washington D.C. Fly-In
                       Various Locations TBA

September 25  Board Appreciation Golf Classic
                       Karsten Creek Golf Club, Stillwater

September 26  Event Sponsor Golf Classic
                       Karsten Creek Golf Club, Stillwater

December 11  Public Affairs Forum
                       National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

In the News
‌
Become an Event Sponsor
Our Event Sponsorship Program offers pre-purchased registrations to our four membership-wide annual events (Legislative Reception, Annual Meeting, Golf Classic at Karsten Creek and Public Affairs Forum) plus recognition as an event sponsor at these events.

It's a great way to get your company's name in front of hundreds of Oklahoma's most distinguished business leaders.

Click here  for more information or if you have additional questions, please contact Emily Duren .
State Chamber of Oklahoma | www.okstatechamber.com
PO Box 53217 | Oklahoma City, OK 73152

Need assistance? Please contact info@okstatechamber.com . Do not reply directly to this email.