The national economy has been on a surge for the last 5 years. The latest news has suggested that we are continuing a robust economic expansion. But some believe that a decline is just around the bend. We at 100 Ideas want to know what you think would best help economic expansion in Oklahoma in the 21st Century.
Here's an excerpt from a recent newsok.com article on Oklahoma's workforce:
Oklahoma continues to lag behind neighboring states in economic development. We currently have an average per capita income of $32,210 which ranks us at 37th in the nation. Our State's largest employer is still the State of Oklahoma. Oklahoma still ranks 34th among the states and D.C. in total exports. How do we improve?
The recent IdeaRaiser in Enid included a proposal to waive the state income tax for two years on people entering the work force. This would apply to new or current Oklahoma residents.
Supporters of the income tax waiver believe it would encourage businesses to bring jobs to Oklahoma, and encourage our college graduates to stay in the state.
What do you think about this idea from Jerry Blankenship, Dick McKnight, Janet Cordell and Eric Senson?
Enid IdeaRaiser, June 12, 2007
On Tuesday 100 Ideas travelled to Enid. Over 65 Oklahomans were in attendance, 4 of which were state legislators. We want to know what you think of the ideas they raised. Here are a few:
-Provide state grants for start-up businesses.
-Waive the state income tax for 2 years for people entering the workforce as either current or new residents of Oklahoma.
-Build a light rail system to connect Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Enid, and Lawton.
Citizens in Norman recently had a meeting to discuss quality of life projects for the city. The meeting was inspired by the success of the MAPS projects in Oklahoma City. The Norman Transcript reports:
One of the projects that has drawn support has been the possibility of a new city library.
“As a strong advocate for the continued improvement in downtown Norman, I’m excited to see the possibility of enhanced transportation alternatives such as Legacy Trail, pedestrian and bike paths and, of course, the hopeful inclusion of Front Street,” Chuck Thompson said.
Visit the Norman Transcript for the story.
The Daily Oklahoman, Monday May 21, 2007
"City grades high as bio-tech 'star'"
Oklahoma City has unlocked the secret to building a growing, thriving biotechnology industry, says site consultant John Rhodes: Grow your own.
In a recent article in Site Selection magazine, Rhodes identified Oklahoma City as one of the country's "rising” communities in what he called the biomedical research and development area.
St. Petersburg Times, April 5
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/05/State/Control_of_growth_at_.shtml
House Republicans unveiled a plan Tuesday that could limit the state's power to oversee community growth.
Lobbyists for cities, counties and a growth watchdog group cautioned the legislators to slow down before stripping the state Department of Community Affairs of its role reviewing local-level zoning changes.
"We would urge you not to rush into this process," said Community Affairs Secretary Tom Pelham, who had a day to review the plan.
[...]
The Minnesota Daily, Feb. 27, 2007
"Legislature might boost U organic research funding"
The University might become a little greener and more natural.
The Legislature is considering giving the University more than $2 million to research organic agriculture.
The appropriation would create ongoing funding for new staff positions, graduate assistantships and equipment to research organic agriculture at the St. Paul campus, UMore Park and outreach centers in Lamberton, Waseca, Morris and Crookston.
[...]
University of Delaware Daily, Feb. 27, 2007
"Small business innovation expo set March 13"
Technology companies throughout the state are invited to attend Delaware's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Expo, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday, March 13, at UD's Clayton Hall Conference Center.
The event is sponsored by the Delaware Small Business Development Center and its technology assistance program. The center is a partnership of UD's Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, the Delaware Economic Development Office and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
[...]
The Casper (Wyoming) Star Tribune, Feb. 27, 2007
"Utah legislature announces huge K-12 budget increase"
Legislative leaders announced an agreement Friday to raise funding for public education by $450 million, by far the biggest increase ever for Utah's crowded schools.
Senate and House Republicans said the new money -- which boosts state aid to elementary and secondary schools to $2.6 billion, up nearly $1 billion since 2003 -- will build more schools, expand all-day kindergarten, hire more teachers, raise their salaries and buy more computers, books, supplies and materials for classrooms.
[...]
USA Today, Feb. 27, 2007
"States consider tobacco tax hikes"
More than a dozen states are considering higher tobacco taxes this year, most often to help millions of uninsured people get health coverage.
Four of the most closely watched proposals call for tax hikes of $1 per pack or more, an increase attained by only four states in the past. Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle wants a $1.25 increase. Iowa, Maine and Maryland are considering $1.
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The Houston Chronicle, Feb. 21, 2007
"Houston learning lessons on WiFi"
As Houston embarks on the nation's largest municipal wireless Internet project, experience elsewhere raises an important question: Will it really work?
Skepticism is justified, considering the problems with service quality that cities much smaller than Houston have experienced after spending big bucks on wireless systems. Some networks haven't met expectations, providing spotty service, weak connections or signals that users can't access indoors.
[...]
FCW.com, Feb. 21, 2007
"City uses energy auction to save money"
The city of Worcester, Mass., expects to save more than $870,000 on electricity it acquired through an online energy auction.
The city tapped World Energy Solutions’ online auction platform to buy electricity for more than 400 accounts, including all city buildings, public schools, streetlights and the convention center. World Energy conducts reverse auctions in which multiple sellers submit bids to supply a commodity specified by the buyer.
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from "OU grad works to build a tech-based economy"
The Daily Oklahoman, Feb. 25, 2007
[...]
Q: How is Oklahoma really doing in building that so-called technology-based economy?
A: I think we are making progress. I think we have made more progress in the last 10 years than we have the whole time. We are starting to see the stars sort of aligning. We've got the government interested with things like OCAST, EDGE and the 100 Ideas project, really looking toward changing our economy to a technology-based economy. Simultaneously, you have changes at the major research universities with respect to intellectual property policies, with respect to spinouts. You are starting to see a cultural change. More people are accepting of technology as being the driving force. Are we there yet? No, but are we making progress? Yes.
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