State Chamber Research Foundation

06/01/2026

We're so excited to welcome Mica Byrum to our team! 🎉📚

Mica joins the SCRF as the Program Director for the Oklahoma Literacy Initiative, where she'll lead efforts to advance literacy outcomes across Oklahoma by connecting research, policy, and classroom practice.

With more than 20 years of experience in literacy education, Mica brings a deep passion for helping students succeed and supporting educators through evidence-based instruction and lasting system-wide improvement. Her expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue working to strengthen literacy outcomes and expand opportunity for Oklahoma students.

We're thrilled to have Mica on board and we look forward to the impact she'll make through the Oklahoma Literacy Initiative. Welcome to the team, Mica! 👏

06/01/2026

As State Question 832 looms, one key term to understand is CPI-W. 💡

CPI-W, or the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, is a national measure of inflation based on prices paid by certain urban households. It does not include rural nonmetropolitan households, farm households, military installations, or certain institutions.

For a state like Oklahoma — with lower costs of living and a significant rural population — it's important to understand what CPI-W measures, and what it leaves out. Find out more here. ➡️

What SQ 832’s Automatic Wage Escalator Could Mean for Oklahoma State Question 832 seeks to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2029 and then continue increasing it based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, or CPI-W. By 2040, some pre

05/28/2026

Oklahoma’s business community is optimistic about the future. 📈

The 2026 Oklahoma Business Leaders Poll shows strong confidence in the state’s economic direction, with 64% of business leaders saying Oklahoma is moving in the right direction compared to the national economy, and 81% of businesses planning to hire in the coming year.

The data reflects growing momentum across Oklahoma as companies continue investing, expanding, and creating opportunity in communities across the state. While challenges remain, business leaders are confident Oklahoma is well-positioned for long-term growth and competitiveness. Check out the 2026 Business Leaders Poll here. ➡️https://www.statechamberresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/BLPOLL2026_REV2-2.pdf

05/27/2026

Oklahoma business leaders remain optimistic about growth but highlight workforce shortages and infrastructure as key challenges in the 2026 poll.

05/27/2026

More Business Leaders Poll coverage! 👀 Find out what Oklahoma business leaders are saying about the direction of our economy below. 👀⬇️

Facing continued workforce issues, most Oklahoma business leaders value increased state investment in education over a tax cut.

05/27/2026

The message from Oklahoma’s business community is consistent: workforce and education remain the top priorities for our state’s future. 📊

According to the newly released 2026 Oklahoma Business Leaders Poll, 74% of business leaders identified workforce and education as one of the two most important issues impacting Oklahoma’s economic growth and competitiveness.

From strengthening early literacy to building a stronger talent pipeline, employers across Oklahoma are calling for long-term investments that prepare the next generation for success and help businesses grow.

Read the full 2026 Business Leaders Poll report to learn more. ➡️https://www.statechamberresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/BLPOLL2026_REV2-2.pdf

05/26/2026

OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Oklahoma business leaders remain confident in the state’s economic direction, but they are also warning that

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

Oklahoma business leaders remain confident in the state's economic direction and are planning for growth, but many say workforce availability, infrastructure ne

05/26/2026

Oklahoma’s business community sees opportunity ahead, but also clear areas where the state must deliver. 📊

The newly released 2026 Oklahoma Business Leaders Poll shows strong optimism about Oklahoma’s economic direction, with 81% of businesses planning to hire in the coming year. At the same time, business leaders identified workforce, education, infrastructure, and long-term competitiveness as the top issues shaping Oklahoma’s future growth.

The message from employers across the state is clear: Oklahoma has momentum, but continued investment in talent, infrastructure, and innovation will be critical to staying competitive.

Read the full report to see what Oklahoma business leaders are saying about the future of our state. 👉 https://www.statechamberresearch.org/business-leaders-poll-oklahoma-has-momentum-but-execution-matters/