For Immediate
Release: April 21, 2004
Audio
Clip
Senator Jay Paul Gumm
Senate Approves Measure to Bring Firearm Manufacturing
Jobs to State
The State Senate has given its final approval
to a measure to attract high-paying manufacturing jobs to
the state. Sen. Jay
Paul Gumm is principal author of Senate Joint Resolution
54, which is aimed at bringing firearm manufacturing to
Oklahoma.
“There are parts of the country that are hostile to
gun manufacturing. What we want to do is get the word out
that we welcome these jobs. Oklahoma has a great western
heritage and a college that has a top-notch gunsmith program.
We want these companies to know we’d be a perfect
fit,” said Gumm.
The Democrat from Durant pointed out that the industry has
recently had to defend itself from gun-control groups and
trial lawyers.
“This is a multi-billion dollar industry. But those
high-dollar manufacturing jobs are in states where those
companies aren’t even wanted. There are 75 major firearm
manufacturers with facilities in 12 states. I think if we
get the word out about what we have to offer in terms of
education programs and economic development incentives,
we could bring some of those jobs here,” said Gumm.
Gumm’s co author in the House is Rep. Paul
Roan, D-Tishomingo. The lawmakers both represent Johnston
County, where Murray State College is located.
“We have an excellent gunsmith curriculum at Murray,”
said Roan. “We’d be able to provide a highly-trained
work-force for an industry that Oklahomans would appreciate
having here. This is something we really needed to pursue.”
The resolution calls for the Commerce Department to collaborate
with Murray State College to develop strategies to attract
firearms manufacturers to the state.
“Attracting these businesses here would not only create
jobs in firearm manufacturing, but it would also boost economic
development through the domino effect new companies have
when they locate here. This ultimately will benefit our
entire state,” Gumm said.
SJR 54 now goes to Gov. Brad
Henry for his consideration.
For
more information contact:
Senate
Communications Office - (405) 521-5774
