Fallin addresses business community at annual State of the State address

7.20.2011
Gov. Mary Fallin joined the Tulsa Metro Chamber at its annual State of the State address Monday, presented by Spirit AeroSystems and Tulsa Community College. Over 800 business leaders and regional partners came together for a briefing and question and answer session on the current state affairs, the previous legislative session and what’s coming up next for Oklahoma. 

Fallin’s overall outlook focused on continuing to bring business to the state, bolster the economy and better the quality of life across the state. Fallin said that after a successful legislative session, Oklahomans need to help send the signal to the rest of the nation that the state is ready and open for business.

“Go tell the Oklahoma story because the Oklahoma story is good,” said Fallin. “We’ve got a great story to tell. I’m always so proud when I have the opportunity to tell our state’s story.”

Fallin expects another successful legislative session next year with the cooperation and continued support of business and community leaders across the state. Fallin commended the OneVoice process and encouraged the Tulsa region to continue their work with the effort.

“You’re doing all that you can to help our state grow, and it’s working,” said Fallin.

Fallin touched on the many areas that saw reform and progress last session, including transportation, energy, health care, education and what Fallin called “right-sizing” government, where the governor worked diligently to prioritize spending needs and make the state government more efficient. Fallin was also proud of the progress made to establish a quick action closing fund, and encouraged the audience to continue their support next session as the legislation looks for a way to fiscally support the fund.

Other issues Fallin identified for next session included tax reform and looking for more ways to become competitive with neighboring states, health care, pension reform, protecting the rainy day fund, standing up for the Oklahoma oil and gas industry and reviewing issues identified by Fallin’s newly-established “Game-Changer Committee,” which looks to find ways to set Oklahoma apart in the coming years and establish our state as a top choice to live, work and play.


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