12.10.24 – The Journal Record -OKLAHOMA CITY
Addressing workforce issues looks to be a top priority for Oklahoma business leaders in 2025.
The Oklahoma State Chamber announced its focus on three areas for 2025 at its annual luncheon Tuesday at the Oklahoma City Convention Center: taxes, legal reform and workforce.
During the 2023 legislative session, the chamber helped to establish the Oklahoma Workforce Commission, created through Senate Bill 621. The commission is led by private-sector leaders and government officials who will coordinate the state’s workforce development strategy and oversee funding allocated by the Legislature for state workforce initiatives.
According to an overview of the chamber’s annual agenda released Tuesday, a key priority for 2025 will be to push for Oklahoma Workforce Commission funding to “ensure the state can meet workforce needs of Oklahoma’s economy through initiatives like the workforce data hub, fully staffing the commission, implementing various programs and other effort that promote prosperity for Oklahomans.”
In a video shown to members at the luncheon, Rick Nagel, chair-elect for the State Chamber Executive Committee, said Oklahoma is one of three states that isn’t doing their part with respect to funding critical workforce categories.
“This new commission has to be properly resourced now, not only to administer the precious funds we get federally, but we have to figure out how we are going to match that and get a multiplier effect,” Nagel said.
The chamber will also advocate for work-based learning, child care tax incentives for employers and changes to the state’s A-F Report Card system to focus on improved career readiness for K-12 students and schools in 2025.
Legal reform will be another top priority for the chamber in 2025.
Adam Maxey, vice president of government affairs for the State Chamber, said they’re considering what required disclosure of third party funding agreements in lawsuits might look like, so businesses know what they’re up against when they go to court.
“We’re also looking at strengthening contract law so that businesses, their contractors and subcontractors, have clarity in what they agreed to and what they can become liable for. These reforms will help businesses do what they do best: drive the economy and not be caught up in the courtroom,” Maxey said in the video.
The chamber will continue lobbying for “pro-growth tax reform” next year.
Maxey said tax competitiveness is important as it speaks to greater opportunities for in-migration of skilled workers and their retention.
According to the chamber flier, they’re pushing for simplification of individual tax brackets to make Oklahoma code more competitive and support modernization of the corporate income tax by eliminating certain procedures that determine a business’ tax bill.
Following the luncheon, the Oklahoma Workforce Commission announced the hiring of Kyla Guyette as its new CEO.
Guyette has more than 20 years of experience in the workforce development field, having led several workforce development initiatives across the U.S.
In her new role, Guyette will lead efforts to coordinate workforce development activities statewide, ensuring alignment with industry needs and creating opportunities for job seekers. Her work will support the goals outlined for the commission by fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, educational institutions, and community organizations to address Oklahoma’s workforce challenges, according to a release.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said Guyette will help the commission deliver on its commitment to creating opportunities for Oklahomans and better ensure businesses have the talent they need to succeed.
“We have incredible momentum right now, and to make sure we stay the most business-friendly state in the nation, we have to build a workforce ready to power Oklahoma’s future. I’m looking forward to working with Kyla,” Stitt said in a release Tuesday.
State Chamber President and CEO Chad Warmington said Guyette has a proven track record and delivers meaningful results.
“We are excited to start working with her to develop the workforce Oklahoma needs to compete with the top states in the nation. We also commend the Commission for making a top-tier hire and for their ongoing commitment to advancing our state’s workforce priorities,” Warmington said in a release.