Two Sides of SQ 832: Job Killer or Public Safety Booster?

The battle to push SQ 832 increasing minimum wage to 15 dollars-an-hour continues.  

Supporters claim an increase would benefit public safety but opponents say it kills jobs.  

What is SQ 832? 

State Question 832 is an initiative petition giving Oklahoma voters the opportunity to raise the minimum wage. 

If passed, the measure would increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2029, starting with an increase to $9 per hour in 2025. 

Who runs the initiative for SQ 832? 

The ballot initiative is being run by the group Raise the Wage Oklahoma. 

Why does Raise the Wage Oklahoma say raising wages is linked to Public Safety? 

1. It reduces recidivism 
2. Saves taxpayer dollars by lowering the number of crimes committed in Oklahoma

What are SQ 832 opponents saying?

In a statement from the chamber Senior Vice President Brent Skarky, it says, "We know that stable employment is a critical factor in reducing recidivism and crime. SQ 832 is a job killer. It will shrink the number of opportunities that are proven to reduce crime and help keep people on the right path.”

What is the current minimum wage in Oklahoma? 

1. Basic Minimum Rate (per hour): $7.25
2. Employers with ten or more full time employees at any one location or employers with annual gross sales over $100,000 irrespective of number of full time employees.
3. All other employers
4. Basic Minimum Rate (per hour): $2.00
5. The Oklahoma state minimum wage law does not contain current dollar minimums. Instead the state adopts the federal minimum wage rate by reference.

Trends in minimum wage 

If the minimum wage did rise in step with productivity growth since 1968 it would be almost $21.50 an hour according to the Center for Economic and Policy Research.

When is the election for SQ 832? 

A special election on SQ 832 will be held on June 16, 2026.