Koch Institute Forum To Focus On “Expanding Opportunity in Oklahoma”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2014
Charles Koch Institute to Host Forum in Oklahoma City on How to Expand Opportunity
Upcoming event will identify how to open doors to earned success
ARLINGTON, Va.— The Charles Koch Institute (CKI) will host a panel discussion in Oklahoma City next week that will explore how to overcome barriers to opportunity, particularly those that impact the Sooner State. The event, “Expanding Opportunity in Oklahoma,” will examine ways that Oklahoma can pave a clearer path to economic opportunity, and ultimately well-being.
Oklahoma’s economic renaissance has been impressive at a time when many states are still struggling with sluggish growth. It boasts the fifth fastest per capita personal income growth in the country and an increase in well-paying jobs due in large part to the oil and gas boom.
Yet not all Oklahomans are benefiting from the state’s economic success. As growth continues, the poverty rate, which remains persistently high, is still above the national average. And Oklahoma isn’t alone on this issue. For many Americans throughout the country, particularly the least fortunate, the opportunity to advance seems out of reach.
CKI believes solutions to this and other critical issues can be found through research and robust dialogue. This forum is one of a series of nationwide events that examine how to improve quality of life as part of CKI’s Well-Being Initiative
WHAT: Charles Koch Institute forum, “Expanding Opportunity in Oklahoma.”
WHY: While the Sooner State is enjoying economic success, the poverty rate remains persistently high. CKI seeks to examine this paradox and foster a conversation that can identify common ground and lead to solutions that will help more people improve their lives.
EVENT SPEAKERS:
Introduction:
- Alison Fraser, Managing Director, Policy and Research, Charles Koch Institute
Moderator:
- Vance Fried, Riata Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Institute for Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship, Oklahoma State University
Panelists:
- Ryan Kiesel, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma
- Kate Richey, Oklahoma Assets Network Project Coordinator, Oklahoma Policy Institute
- Jonathan Small, Vice President for Policy, Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs
- Jason Sorens, Ph.D., Lecturer, Department of Government, Dartmouth College
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 11th, at 6:00 p.m. CDT
LOCATION: Skirvin Hilton Hotel, One Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
ABOUT CKI: The Charles Koch Institute is a non-profit educational organization, with over 2,000 alumni of its programs, focused on the importance of free societies and how they increase well-being for the overwhelming majority of people. Through sound research, education and robust discussion, CKI aims to advance understanding of what it means to flourish and how to enhance people’s ability to lead better lives.