Building a Brighter Economic Future for Oklahoma
At the heart of Cleveland County and across Oklahoma, we all share a common goal: ensuring our kids and grandkids have a real shot at the good life. That means access to well-paying jobs and a thriving economy that can compete on the national stage. While Oklahoma has made some progress, the hard truth is we’re still trailing behind. With our state ranking 8th in poverty and the average worker earning 11% less than the national average, it’s clear we need bold action to catch up to economic powerhouses like Texas, Tennessee, or even Washington. Here’s my plan to shake things up and put Oklahoma on the path to prosperity.
Eliminate the Income Tax to Attract Business
One of the most effective ways to boost Oklahoma’s economy is to eliminate the state income tax. Look at the top five states attracting businesses fleeing California’s high-tax environment: Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and Nevada have no income tax, and Arizona’s is a low 2.5%. The correlation is undeniable—lower taxes draw businesses and jobs. By ditching the income tax, we can make Oklahoma a magnet for companies and families looking for opportunity, putting us on par with the nation’s economic leaders.
Put Taxpayers First, Not Corporate Cronies
To make tax cuts possible, we need to prioritize taxpayers over special interests and political insiders. For example, wind companies in Oklahoma have received $1.5 billion in subsidies but delivered only 350 permanent jobs—far short of their promises. Meanwhile, after the 2021 winter storm, state officials burdened taxpayers with over $1 billion in debt to bail out utilities, while some gas suppliers (not producers) pocketed 1,000% profits by gouging Oklahomans. It’s time to slash corporate welfare and redirect those savings to hardworking families. By cutting wasteful handouts, we can keep more money in your pocket and fuel real economic growth.
Supercharge Vocational Training for High-Demand Careers
Not every kid needs a college degree to succeed, and our world-class vo-tech system is proof of that. Let’s expand access to vocational training by offering scholarships for high-demand trade jobs. This will equip our young people with the skills they need for rewarding careers in fields like manufacturing, construction, and technology. Instead of pushing a one-size-fits-all college model, we should prepare students for the workforce with practical training and real-world opportunities.
Rethink Job Creation with a Focus on Local Businesses
Chasing mega-deals with foreign corporations often leads to broken promises and wasted resources. Instead, let’s invest in Oklahoma’s homegrown businesses—the true backbone of our economy. I propose providing grants to 10,000 small Oklahoma companies to create five new jobs each, paying at least 10% above the state’s average wage. That’s 50,000 good-paying jobs rooted in our communities, not fleeting promises from overseas firms or green energy projects that underdeliver. By empowering local entrepreneurs, we can build a stronger, more resilient economy from the ground up. Together, these steps—eliminating the income tax, prioritizing taxpayers, expanding vo-tech training, and supporting local businesses—will put Oklahoma on the fast track to economic success. Let’s work together to create a future where our kids and grandkids don’t just get by, but thrive right here in Cleveland County and beyond.