Press Release: SB621 Passes Leg
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Workforce Transformation is Now on the Governor’s Desk
OKLAHOMA CITY (May 26,2023) – A plan to transform workforce development in Oklahoma is one signature away from becoming law. This week, the Oklahoma State House of Representatives and the State Senate both passed Senate Bill 621. The bill creates the Oklahoma Workforce Commission, an entity led by private sector business leaders and government officials who will direct the state’s workforce development strategy, as well as administer and oversee funding allocated by the legislature for workforce development initiatives.
SB 621, authored by Sen. Adam Pugh and Rep. Brian Hill, is designed to break down silos and limit duplication in the current workforce pipeline, ultimately leading to more direct and efficient completion of education pathways. That means more skilled workers for state businesses and better paying careers for Oklahomans.
“SB 621 provides an actual solution to an actual need not for just today, but for our generations ahead. The bill fixes workforce pathways for our children and our grandchildren, to make sure that they’re not moving out of state to find those quality jobs,” said Hill.
After being amended in conference committee, the bill passed with strong majorities in the Senate (34-10) and House (60-32).
“We must invest in our human capital and create a workforce to meet our needs as we grow. This will require having an entity at the state level that can coordinate our entire workforce development system, including our state agencies, career techs, higher education system, the nonprofit sector and our public and private businesses and industries. We must all get on the same page and work toward a common goal, which this commission will help accomplish,” said Pugh.
“This is a huge step forward for Oklahoma. Workforce is the number one concern of businesses in our state. SB 621 makes transformational changes to workforce development that will benefit Oklahoma companies and families. We are excited for the future growth and prosperity this will bring to our state,” said Chad Warmington, president and CEO of The State Chamber.
“We have one of the fastest growing economies in America. The only thing holding us back is finding the workers for all the jobs posted today. With SB 621, we have a chance to really be top 10 and move this economy forward. This is going to benefit employers, our employees and their families,” said Rick Nagel, managing partner of Acorn Growth Companies and OU Regent.
SB 621 now goes to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s desk for him to sign into law.
Media Contact
Brent Skarky 405-818-1939 Brent@okstatechamber.com
