OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, and Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, represented Oklahoma in national policy discussions during the 2026 Legislative Summit hosted by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in Chicago. Townley participated in a panel on state workforce development strategy, while Miller moderated a discussion on the growing cost of deferred transportation maintenance. 

Townley joined fellow lawmakers from Delaware, Illinois and Utah for "Policy to Practice: The Legislative Role in Workforce Development." The panel examined how state workforce development boards can help align program and funding decisions with economic goals, employer needs and changes in the labor market.

"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. The states that invest in workforce development today will lead the economy tomorrow, and Oklahoma has made tremendous progress by bringing education leaders, workforce partners and industry together to meet the needs of our economy. But we can never stop looking for better solutions. Conversations like these allow us to exchange ideas, learn from other states and challenge ourselves to think differently. It was an honor to share Oklahoma’s successes with legislators from across the country while bringing home innovative ideas that will strengthen opportunities for Oklahoma families, support our businesses and help keep our state economically competitive for generations to come."

Miller moderated “The Pothole Problem: Transportation’s Deferred Maintenance Gap,” which featured experts from the American Society of Civil Engineers, The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Illinois Department of Transportation. The discussion focused on the long-term costs created when routine repairs to roads, bridges and transit systems are postponed, as well as the role of transparent asset management and sustainable transportation 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. "Those are the tools states need to protect taxpayers and keep transportation systems safe and reliable. I was proud to share Oklahoma’s successes, especially our significant improvements from 49th to fourth in the nation for structurally deficient bridges, and the lessons we have learned as we addressed long-deferred infrastructure maintenance over the last 20 years."

Townley serves as vice chair of NCSL’s Labor and Economic Development Standing Committee, while Miller serves as co-chair of NCSL’s Transportation Standing Committee. The summit was held July 27-29 in Chicago.