Tad Jones Announces Labor Post Bid
Republican Rep. Tad Jones of Claremore said today he will seek his party's nomination for labor commissioner.
Pledging to stand for Oklahoma businesses and to stand against national policies that hinder economic growth, Jones said, “When I ran for the state House 11 years ago, making Oklahoma more business-friendly was one of my top priorities. We have made great strides by lowering taxes and reducing regulation, but much remains to be done. I aim to continue moving our state forward from the Labor Commissioner post.”
Jones said the Labor Department has power to influence important policies that impact the state’s ability to grow, attract business and industry, and to create jobs.
National headlines have recently highlighted the shift in policy of President Obama’s appointee and national labor secretary, Hilda Solis, away from the Bush administration’s cooperative approach between government and business.
“Labor department leadership makes a difference,” Jones said, pointing to an Associated Press article on January 1, which discusses the differences in Solis’ approach and that of Bush labor secretary Elaine Chao.
“The department can partner with businesses and workers, or it can act as a cold enforcer, just waiting for an opportunity to exact a fine, write a new regulation or unearth an infraction. In this economic environment, we must unleash the potential of our people to innovate, create and develop,” he said.
Jones said that lowering workers compensation rates by improving workplace safety will be a major focus if he is elected. We will work closely with businesses across the state to ensure the safest working environment possible and help lower costs,” Jones said.
Helping to recruit businesses to Oklahoma also will be one of Jones’ top priorities.
“The Labor Department can be a great tool for cities looking to recruit manufacturing firms, and I want companies to look at Oklahoma before they consider taking jobs offshore.”
Jones said his experience in the Oklahoma Legislature gives him an advantage.
“I have helped pass legislation to make Oklahoma competitive. I have a great working relationship with the Legislature, and I believe we can work cooperatively to help move Oklahoma forward,” he said.
Jones has also achieved a 100% rating on the REID report, the state’s primary study of legislators voting record toward business issues.
Jones, who served as House Education chairman for 4 years, said his work with Career Tech will help grow Oklahoma businesses, as well.
“As Education chairman, I saw the importance of Career Tech to businesses. I want the Labor Department and Career Tech to enjoy a great working relationship that helps maximize our business performance through developing a high quality, in-demand workforce,” Jones said.
“I have two young children, and we are expecting a third. I want my kids to have as many choices as possible when they are ready to go to work in Oklahoma,” Jones said. “Businesses that stay in Oklahoma will provide the infrastructure of opportunity for the future.”
Jones, who is term-limited this year, has served as the House vice-chairman of the Economic Development Committee, Chairman of the Education Committee and currently serves as the House Majority Floor Leader. Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields, a Democrat, is seeking a second four-year term. Jason Reese, a Republican, announced earlier he will seek the post.
Pledging to stand for Oklahoma businesses and to stand against national policies that hinder economic growth, Jones said, “When I ran for the state House 11 years ago, making Oklahoma more business-friendly was one of my top priorities. We have made great strides by lowering taxes and reducing regulation, but much remains to be done. I aim to continue moving our state forward from the Labor Commissioner post.”
Jones said the Labor Department has power to influence important policies that impact the state’s ability to grow, attract business and industry, and to create jobs.
National headlines have recently highlighted the shift in policy of President Obama’s appointee and national labor secretary, Hilda Solis, away from the Bush administration’s cooperative approach between government and business.
“Labor department leadership makes a difference,” Jones said, pointing to an Associated Press article on January 1, which discusses the differences in Solis’ approach and that of Bush labor secretary Elaine Chao.
“The department can partner with businesses and workers, or it can act as a cold enforcer, just waiting for an opportunity to exact a fine, write a new regulation or unearth an infraction. In this economic environment, we must unleash the potential of our people to innovate, create and develop,” he said.
Jones said that lowering workers compensation rates by improving workplace safety will be a major focus if he is elected. We will work closely with businesses across the state to ensure the safest working environment possible and help lower costs,” Jones said.
Helping to recruit businesses to Oklahoma also will be one of Jones’ top priorities.
“The Labor Department can be a great tool for cities looking to recruit manufacturing firms, and I want companies to look at Oklahoma before they consider taking jobs offshore.”
Jones said his experience in the Oklahoma Legislature gives him an advantage.
“I have helped pass legislation to make Oklahoma competitive. I have a great working relationship with the Legislature, and I believe we can work cooperatively to help move Oklahoma forward,” he said.
Jones has also achieved a 100% rating on the REID report, the state’s primary study of legislators voting record toward business issues.
Jones, who served as House Education chairman for 4 years, said his work with Career Tech will help grow Oklahoma businesses, as well.
“As Education chairman, I saw the importance of Career Tech to businesses. I want the Labor Department and Career Tech to enjoy a great working relationship that helps maximize our business performance through developing a high quality, in-demand workforce,” Jones said.
“I have two young children, and we are expecting a third. I want my kids to have as many choices as possible when they are ready to go to work in Oklahoma,” Jones said. “Businesses that stay in Oklahoma will provide the infrastructure of opportunity for the future.”
Jones, who is term-limited this year, has served as the House vice-chairman of the Economic Development Committee, Chairman of the Education Committee and currently serves as the House Majority Floor Leader. Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields, a Democrat, is seeking a second four-year term. Jason Reese, a Republican, announced earlier he will seek the post.
posted by Mike McCarville @ 1:35 PM
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