Workforce and Employment

Purpose

To monitor and analyze all legislation and regulations that impact Oklahoma’s workforce and ensure businesses have an efficient and effective system to develop their workforce.

2026 Policy Positions

1. Support policies that promote competitive and incentive-based compensation for teachers, subject to available funding.  
2. Support prompt determination for occupational licenses and permitting from the corresponding body and/or reduced fees based on the period of non-determination. Corresponding bodies should practice flexibility to assist employers, when possible, to accelerate the employment of occupational licensed candidates.  
3. Oppose state legislative efforts to undermine the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) due to the negative impact on member businesses.  
4. Oppose efforts to interfere with employer’s ability to negotiate benefits plans for employees. 
5. Oppose new state and federal mandated private health insurance benefits that would raise costs to businesses attempting to provide quality health insurance benefits until such a time as an independent cost/benefit analysis accompanies and justifies any proposed health insurance benefit mandate. 
6. Oppose expansion of state and federal mandates on employers, including but not limited to paid family and medical leave benefits and/or programs. 
7. Oppose actions to limit employers’ ability to set their own workplace vaccination policy. 
8. Support improving K-12 Graduation Requirements to include Career Ready, Advanced Placement, and concurrent academic credit options. 
9. Support innovative non-mandated childcare solutions for Oklahoma workforce. 
10. Support programming including grants for STEM programs and access for at risk students. 
11. Support broad education reform efforts to improve education such as STEM, literacy, and math literacy. 
12. Support apprenticeship and internship programs to increase the workforce in Oklahoma 
13. Support better employment and training opportunities for populations receiving government benefit programs and encouraging labor participation. 
14. Support strategies that address education, job training, placement and stability for justice involved individuals and incentivize second chance employers. 
15. Advocate for partnerships and the integration of workforce system partners, resources, and strategies supported by state funding, that utilize data driven strategies for skill alignment and credential attainment, ensuring alignment with economic development goals and employer needs. 
16. Support the continued development and long-term funding of the Workforce Commission. 
17. Protect an employer’s right to hire in compliance with federal law.  

Staff & Committee Contacts

Joining a Committee

State Chamber members are invited to join one or more of our committees and be a part of helping shape our policy agenda. Using the link below, you can fill out a committee application form.