Legislative Republicans comment on tax credits and 'woke' ideology

Legislative Republicans Comment on Tax Credits and Woke Ideology

OKLAHOMA CITY – Various legislators have signed onto the below statement, authored by Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, expressing their concerns about ideology that could be brought by Project Ocean on Oklahoma taxpayer's dime. 

"Recent passage of a massive tax credit to encourage a company to build a new, nearly $4 billion manufacturing facility in Oklahoma with the promise of thousands of new jobs has the potential of being a great economic win for the state and its citizens.

However, the business in question, known as 'Project Ocean,' has taken positions in the past that clearly run counter to our commonly held Oklahoma values. 

Financial and public backing for Environmental, Social and Governance policies and support of a "Worldwide Social Credit Industry" is troubling. It is a declaration of their embrace of the woke culture that has been dividing American society rather than bringing us together. 

If their position was to make sure that all individuals, whatever their sexual orientation, are treated fairly within their workplaces, that would not be an issue. Unfortunately, they have called for advocacy and activism specifically in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

This company is expected to benefit from tax credits paid for by Oklahomans. In light of this, it is our hope that this company, and any others utilizing tax credits footed by our constituents, will refrain from promoting and funding any kind of lifestyle the vast majority of Oklahomans believe runs contrary to the Bible and do not support.

Our hope and expectation is that companies utilizing tax credits support the traditional family. If they choose not to do this within their corporation, we ask that they refrain from pushing a different agenda in our communities, since our hope is that Oklahoma and these companies will form a long-term mutually beneficial relationship."

The statement has been signed by: 

• Sen. Mark Allen, R-Spiro; 
• Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant; 
• Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard; 
• Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle; 
• Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow; 
• Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain; 
• Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell; 
• Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane; 
• Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland; 
• Rep. Wendi Stearman, R-Collinsville; and 
• Rep. Danny Williams, R-Seminole.