"Oklahoma Pride"

A Weekly Update on all of the Good News about Oklahoma

Because much of the good news about our state is sometimes overlooked by state leaders and others, many positive developments and success stories in Oklahoma go unreported. It is our hope that "Oklahoma Pride," a weekly publication of the Oklahoma Senate, will ensure that the best stories about Oklahoma are told.

For example, this week in Oklahoma, did you know that......

• Oklahoma's phenomenal economic growth continues at a record pace. According to the State Department or Commerce, new and expanding manufacturers announced investments of more than $83 million in Oklahoma during the first quarter of this year. That is expected to translate into almost 3,000 new jobs over the next three years.
  
  During the first quarter, 11 new companies announced they would be locating in Oklahoma while 12 existing manufacturers announced plans to expand their operations here. Some of the larger announcements were made by Republic Gypsum in Duke, Armin Plastics in Pryor, Pennwell Publications in Tulsa, Integrated Food Technologies in Pawhuska and Unit Parts in Edmond.
   
• Oklahoma's growing economy is continuing to fuel state revenue collections. According to the Office of State Finance, collections are $246 million ahead of last year and $169 million ahead of projections for this year.
  
  The better-than-expected revenue collections will allow a hefty deposit to the state's special savings account, the rainy day fund.
   
• The Sooner State has added more than 40,000 new jobs in the past year, according to new statistics from the Oklahoma Employment Securities Commission. Some 4,600 of those came in the manufacturing sector, the highest-paying jobs.

If you have questions or comments about "Oklahoma Pride," please contact Senator Keith Leftwich at 405-524-0126 or the Senate Communications Division at 405-521-5605.