Editorial Column: A new beginning for state
October 22, 2007
The Oklahoman
By

We compete among 50 states for economic expansion. A cornerstone is education. We have an ethic and spirit that gives us the courage to meet challenges head-on. Our challenge is to build the best platform for economic growth on education, health care reform and work force development. Build it and they will come doesn't work any longer. To succeed, we have to invest in a premiere educational system K-12 through college. Efforts have to include resources and best pay for teachers, viable health care reforms eliminating uninsured costs and incentives to sustain industries. We can recruit new businesses, but we have to offer them the infrastructure and work force they need.

There is no place for partisan politics. We have skilled job and aging work force issues. "Brain drain" siphons off our brightest. Our economic future is the key issue we face and it depends on sustaining businesses, innovation and using all our resources. Success depends on government, education and businesses working together to place us in the spotlight as the place to raise families, create jobs and support business expansion. As pioneers and pathfinders, we are up to the task. Our leaders have to risk and lead.

We are home to two key industries, energy and aerospace. We have something no other state can offer in the resources of 37 federally recognized Indian tribes. These governments can unite with state and local governments, bringing experience and opportunity to the forefront. Together, we all benefit.

Today's workplace requires students prepared for an ever-changing environment. To compete in a global market, businesses seek the best. We have to offer the best. Education is a cornerstone of our democracy, yet schools still fight for dollars and bare essentials. Businesses would fail under these circumstances. Re-emphasis is needed on science, technology and engineering teaming with business for relevant curriculums and career awareness. Business requires human resource pipelines. Let's create one. Strong, unequaled education insures future economic growth. Money invested in education is money invested in our future.

The debate has raged far too long on health care. Let's consider real options. We don't need a government system, we need to use the $1 billion spent on the uninsured to self-fund a health care system administered by private-sector administrators that present the best competitive plans for Oklahomans. It has to be affordable and can be.

Work force development rests on education and a positive business climate. We can offer both. We are a great state. This centennial has to be our new beginning for a legacy for the next 100 years.

Busey is chairman & CEO of The Busey Group of Companies.