DURANT – Hello again, everybody! A fundamental core value we in southern Oklahoma share is a belief in the right to keep and bear arms.

That belief is deeply rooted in our shared sense of justice, an understanding that rights flow from God and government’s role is to guarantee and preserve those rights. The Second Amendment rights I have zealously defended as your senator have another benefit: the potential to provide economic strength to our state.

Six years ago, I began my effort to attract firearms manufacturers to Oklahoma. Many of these great corporate citizens are located in states openly hostile to the notion of gun ownership. Where these manufacturers face antipathy in their current home states, they would be welcomed warmly here.

The district I serve is particularly well suited to be the home of a firearms manufacturer. Murray State College in Tishomingo boasts one of the nation’s finest gunsmith programs.

Every year, several well-trained and eager gunsmiths graduate from Murray. They provide a solid base of individuals who are very attractive to any firearms-related industry.

When we began, the Legislature directed the Commerce Department to actively seek a gun manufacturer. Oklahoma really started at “square one,” but we quickly assembled an aggressive effort.

Oklahoma is one of only a handful of states with a booth at the annual Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show and Conference – known as the SHOT Show. It is the largest convention of firearms manufacturers and advocates outside of the National Rifle Association’s annual meeting.

When my in-district and legislative schedules allow, I am part of Oklahoma’s delegation. The effort is working. Not only are manufacturers surprised a state is trying to attract them, they are shocked an elected official attends such an event. As they told us, their home states’ public figures would never be seen with their industry.

Currently, a number of meaningful discussions are underway with firearms manufacturers looking to expand or relocate. Our progress was slowed only by the national recession.

The economy will improve – and when it does, Oklahoma will be ready. Last year’s tort reform law included language I proposed to protect gun manufacturers from frivolous lawsuits. It was another step that said to them, “You are welcome here.”

In the next two weeks, I will work to ensure the next step is taken. I have filed an amendment to a bill that will imprint in state law permanent direction to the Commerce Department to continue Oklahoma’s work to bring a firearms manufacturer to our state.

If approved, this will be the final piece in the puzzle. Oklahoma will have on the books the most aggressive program of any state to attract a firearms manufacturer, and protect the jobs the industry would create. Further, it sends the important message that we in Oklahoma believe the right to keep and bear arms is one worth defending.

Thanks again for reading this week’s “Senate Minute.” Have a great week, and may God bless you all.