Opinion: With how competitive the national economic landscape has become, it’s imperative to invest in industries that not only provide stable employment but also drive innovation and prosperity. An industry that holds tremendous promise for Oklahoma’s economic future is aerospace and aviation.

Days like the recently held Aero Day here at the Capitol, help to reaffirm our commitment to workforce and economic development in the aerospace industry. For those unfamiliar with this day, Aero Day is an important day here at the Capitol where aerospace and defense businesses from around the state convene to discuss important initiatives with legislators. This event serves as a platform for collaboration and idea exchange, driving forward the aerospace agenda in Oklahoma.

Recognizing the significance of bolstering the aerospace sector, Oklahoma has taken proactive steps to support its growth. From increasing state funding for aerospace initiatives to integrating aerospace education into high school and CareerTech classrooms, our state is positioning itself as a national leader in this critical industry. The aerospace and defense sector stands as Oklahoma’s second-largest and fastest-growing business sector, employing over 200,000 Oklahomans across more than 1,100 aerospace and aviation companies. This industry not only drives economic activity but also fosters innovation and creates high-paying jobs statewide.

Oklahoma State University published today a new report on Oklahoma WorkTrends by the Center for the Future of Work. It is heralded as a comprehensive overview of workforce development and trends in Oklahoma. Covering both direct and indirect factors impacting workforce development like population, education, child care, poverty, incarceration rate and more.

The report includes data collected through the 2023 Voice of the Workforce study conducted by the Center for the Future of Work as well as other workforce data collected through various state and federal entities. The report then identifies areas of strength as well as areas of progress, continued focus and improvement as they pertain to workforce development in the state of Oklahoma.

We are facing a 40-year high in inflation, which raises a lot of concern. In response to the rising costs of living, the House remains committed to providing relief to the people of Oklahoma.

Recent data shows that the average Oklahoman spends almost $300 per trip to the grocery store, making Oklahoma one of the top 10 states with the highest weekly grocery bills. A poll conducted in September 2022 revealed that 78% of respondents support eliminating the state grocery tax.

Last week, the Senate passed House Bill 1955, which the House had passed 11 months ago, to eliminate the state’s portion of the grocery tax. In addition to eliminating the state’s 4.5% tax, it includes a provision preventing municipalities and counties from raising sales taxes on groceries until June 30, 2025.