It is critically important that Oklahoma business leaders know what laws and regulations are being enacted in Washington, D.C., and how those changes could affect their bottom lines back home. The State Chamber’s annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In gives our members that opportunity, as well as a chance to share their thoughts and concerns with our congressional delegation.

More than 300 business executives, political leaders and Oklahoma citizens currently working in Washington, D.C., attended this year’s congressional reception, which is the culmination of the event. Throughout the two-day trip, Oklahoma business leaders met with experts in global economics, health care and discussed the national budget crisis with members of the House Budget Committee, including Oklahoma’s own Republican U.S. Reps. James Lankford and Tom Cole and the chairman of the committee, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. State Chamber members and fly-in attendees also heard from Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and received an update from each of Oklahoma’s federal delegation on the latest in Washington.

Ryan praised Oklahoma’s low unemployment rate.“Imagine what we could do if we kick Washington out of the way, reduce this uncertainty and get our finances under control,” he said.

The new realities program offered useful, up-to-date information on federal laws and regulations that could impact their profitability. Health care, energy costs and the rising federal debt will all have a direct impact on the ability to gain momentum and grow the U.S. economy. It is important for the Oklahoma business community and business owners to come to Washington, D.C., to get engaged and learn more about these issues. In turn, they can ask our federal leaders what we can do together to improve our state and our country’s business climate and create more jobs. Oklahoma is lucky to have congressional and state leaders who understand business and are always willing to meet with us and listen to our concerns. We thank them for hosting us this past week and look forward to working closely with them throughout the next year.

Fred Morgan is president and chief operating officer of The State Chamber of Oklahoma.