by Richard Rush
The Journal Record - January 25, 2010

Scorecards and comparisons are important when a state is trying to attract new jobs and retain existing ones. The new 2010 Accountability for a Competitive Economy (ACE) Book recently published by Oklahoma 21st Century Inc., a nonprofit research foundation affiliate of The State Chamber of Oklahoma, clearly shows how Oklahoma compares in our region and in the nation in business categories.

The 2010 ACE Book, which was recently delivered to our state legislators, presents a clear picture of what we need to focus on to improve our economic climate for business. It also tells us where we are what we must do to maintain our competitive edge. Many key indicators show a better economic performance than other states in the region or the nation. For example, personal income growth in Oklahoma continued a steady growth pattern, and Oklahoma’s cost of doing business kept us in the top 10 in the country. 
       
There are still many challenges to Oklahoma’s competitiveness. We rank 12th in the nation in the average cost of workers’ compensation benefits and yet businesses pay the 9th highest workers’ compensation premium. With a ranking of 41st in students over 25 obtaining a bachelor’s degree and with only 84.3 percent graduating from high school, employers have a difficult task finding skilled and educated workers. The National Assessment of Education Programs shows Oklahoma’s fourth graders ranked 37th in reading and 36th in math, while our eighth graders rank 34th in reading and 40th in math.  

While state and local health and hospital spending per capita is ranked 39th in the nation, an increasing percentage of people have employment-based health insurance compared to 1990.

This continuing comparison by the 21st Century Research Foundation will be reported annually.  Our state’s achievements, as well as our shortcomings, need to be recognized by our political and business leadership in these difficult economic times. Proper legislation, regulations and tax codes can improve these areas where Oklahoma ranks poorly.

Oklahoma 21st Century is governed by a board of directors comprised of companies throughout the state of Oklahoma. The foundation has been reporting on Oklahoma’s issues and economic development climate since 1982. To access the full report go to http://www.ok21stcentury.com/pdf/ACEBook2010.pdf.

Richard P. Rush is president and CEO of The State Chamber of Oklahoma.