I spoke to a group of small business leaders at the Oklahoma State Capitol yesterday.  Here are my comments on what small business needs from the legislature:

“Keep making the decisions and investments that make the economy of Oklahoma healthier.   Create an environment in which businesses can work. Systems that are fair and predictable serve as the foundation for a good business climate. Taxes, work comp, unemployment benefits, insurance requirements, regulations are all necessary. As long as they are fair and predictable, business will adapt and get back to work.

Invest in the areas that build stronger businesses. Some incentives build stronger businesses and some just encourage activity. Spend money on those that build stronger businesses. That’s what I do when times are tough. We scrutinize every dollar to make sure it is resulting in a stronger business, not simply more activity, even if it looks on the surface like progress. If economic times get better, stronger businesses emerge and grow rapidly. Should they remain tough the strongest businesses will survive. If we invest in things that drive activity or prop up weak businesses, they falter in tough times or emerge weak even in good times.

This also means education. The conversation is strengthening between business and education within the Key Economic Networks, so keep funding education that allows students to achieve greater levels of attainment and certification. Greater educational outcomes is really what the state needs from our education system. Raising the level of attainment and raising the standard of what a given certification actually means in the real world. These students can then enter the workforce, be part of strong businesses and provide for their families, making them great citizens.

I assure you, we are not here just asking you to do something. We are here because it is an extension of us building our businesses. I promise you that our businesses are our number one interest. My business is my craft. It is my passion and my heart. I do it because I love it. I do it because I love my family. I do it because I love my state. This is my contribution to the world. I simply ask that you help me do my best work!”