Is Oklahoma a 'top ten' state? Several areas in new State Chamber report say otherwise
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Is Oklahoma a top ten state? According to a new report from the State Chamber of Commerce, no.
The chamber released what they're calling an 'Oklahoma Scorecard,' which stacks the state near the bottom in almost every category. This goes against a constant catchphrase Fox 25 has been hearing from state leaders.
"Our vision is to make Oklahoma top ten," Governor Kevin Stitt said.
Governor Stitt has been saying it since his first State of the State address in 2019.
"Oklahoma's not afraid of our neighbors, and we intend to win."
He pushed that message even further after adding a playlist to his YouTube channel in September 2022.
"This is our chance to tell you directly how we're making a Top Ten State with Top Ten News," Stitt said in the video.
The report compares Oklahoma to every state.
"This is an annual report that we do that looks at key economic indicators across a number of categories," Executive Director for the State Chamber Research Foundation Ben Lepak said.
Oklahoma ranks 26th in tax competitiveness, 36th in overall economic competitiveness and 41st in what's called government burden.
"What's really driving Oklahoma's ranking is we spend a relatively large share of our state GDP, which comes from the government sector. We have a relatively large share of individuals employed by state government versus employees in the private sector."
The Sooner State does have a good infrastructure grade at 13th in the country. But, it's listed 46th in healthcare, and 44th in the skilled workforce category.
"We think the key to all of these issues is economic growth, and that's why the report is centered around competitiveness with other states."
Lepak tells Fox 25 that a high or low ranking doesn't necessarily mean Oklahoma is among the best or worst in a certain category. He says a ranking offers an idea as to how Oklahoma is doing compared to other states.
Fox 25 reached out to the governor's office for comment, and haven't heard back.
Any updates will be posted to this story.
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