Oklahoma Representatives Tammy Townley and Nicole Miller took part in national policy discussions during the 2026 National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Chicago, highlighting Oklahoma’s work on workforce development and transportation infrastructure.
Townley participated in a panel focused on the role state legislatures play in workforce development. The discussion explored how workforce development boards can better align training programs and funding with employer needs and changing labor market demands.
“A strong workforce is the foundation of a strong economy,” Townley said. “As legislators, our responsibility is to create policies that connect Oklahomans with meaningful careers while ensuring employers have the skilled workforce they need to compete, innovate and grow.”
Townley said Oklahoma has made progress by bringing together education leaders, workforce partners and industry to meet workforce needs, while emphasizing the importance of continuing to learn from other states.
Miller moderated a panel examining the growing cost of deferred transportation maintenance. The discussion included experts from the American Society of Civil Engineers, The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Illinois Department of Transportation, focusing on long-term infrastructure planning and investment.
“Moderating this discussion gave Oklahoma an opportunity to help guide a national conversation about better data, long-range planning and responsible investment,” Miller said.
Miller pointed to Oklahoma’s improvement from 49th to fourth nationally in the number of structurally deficient bridges, saying the state’s experience offers lessons for addressing long-term infrastructure needs.
Townley serves as vice chair of NCSL’s Labor and Economic Development Standing Committee, while Miller serves as co-chair of the organization’s Transportation Standing Committee.
