The Research Institute for Economic Development (RIED)

View Current Ried Scores.

The Research Institute for Economic Development (RIED) provides its members with the necessary voting profiles on how each member of the Oklahoma Legislature votes on key business issues. This information is important to making Oklahoma a pro-business state.

Background
Started in 1997, RIED is a private sector non-profit educational organization dedicated to the development and enhancement of a pro-business state legislature. Founded by business, industry and financial leaders across the state, RIED is endorsed by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, the Tulsa Metro Chamber and The State Chamber. RIED provides the business community political analysis necessary to elect legislators who advocate, support and advance the individual and corporate right to succeed.

RIED furnishes information regarding legislative voting records on business related issues along with demographic information and analysis on every legislative district in the state. RIED also rates each bill introduced in the legislature as Business "Positive," "Negative" or "Neutral" with respect to job growth, job quality, income elevation and economic development matters. Each measure is then weighted as to its impact on those issues.

Thirty states across the nation now participate in similar "Legislator Assessment" programs. Legislative and private sector leaders in those states have counseled the Institute's board in development of the Oklahoma product.

Current Status
RIED is making a difference in bringing about a pro-business legislature that will address key business issues such as Right to Work and real Workers' Compensation Reform.

Chamber Position
The Chamber supports RIED. To achieve the major goals outlined in the Chamber's Legislative Agenda, the State Legislature must maintain a positive supportive role for continued economic growth and a business friendly environment. The Chamber encourages support and involvement in RIED by calling Vince Robison, President of RIED, at (405) 330-6999 or visit RIED's Web site at www.probizOK.com.