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Oklahoma voters have decided against State Question 832, a measure that would have gradually increased the state's minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 per hour by 2029. In Tuesday's (June 16) primary election, 57% of voters opposed the initiative, while 43% supported it.
State Question 832 proposed a phased increase, starting with a raise to $12 in 2027 and incrementally reaching $15 by 2029. From 2030, the wage would have adjusted annually based on the U.S. Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index. This initiative aimed to align Oklahoma's minimum wage with neighboring states like Arkansas and Missouri, which have raised their minimum wages in recent years.
Opponents, including Governor Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, argued that the increase could hinder job growth and raise consumer prices. Chad Warmington, president of the State Chamber of Oklahoma, stated, "Voters chose to protect Oklahoma's economic momentum and affordability."
Supporters of the measure, such as Amber England from Raise the Wage Oklahoma, contended that the current minimum wage does not meet the cost of living, forcing many workers into poverty. England expressed disappointment, noting that the measure's placement on a primary ballot, rather than a general election, affected voter turnout. She said, "This result is not indicative of the will of the people."