TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa Regional Chamber Executive Committee is officially opposing State Question 832 ahead of Oklahoma’s June 16 vote, stating the proposed minimum wage increase could create long-term uncertainty for businesses across the state.
State Question 832 would gradually raise Oklahoma’s minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $15 an hour by 2029, with future increases tied to inflation set to begin in 2030.
In a statement, Chamber leaders said they support fair compensation for workers, but believe the proposal could negatively impact employers and consumers over time.
“Our concern is that the automatic annual inflation-based increases built into this proposal would make Oklahoma less regionally competitive over time and create uncertainty for employers of all sizes,” explained Dr. Cliff Robertson, the Chamber Chair and CEO of Saint Francis Health System. “That uncertainty ultimately translates into higher prices for consumers and fewer entry-level opportunities for the very people we all want to help.”
The Chamber’s Executive Committee voted to oppose the measure after hearing from advocates on both sides of the issue.
However, not all business owners agree with the Chamber’s stance.
Mike Nobles, the owner of Studio Records Tulsa, said he believes Oklahoma’s minimum wage should increase, arguing that other rising costs are creating a bigger burden for small businesses.
“One of the biggest problems we have as a business owner, a small business owner, is all the other associated costs,” Nobles said. “It’s not the paying somebody.”
Nobles said expenses like healthcare, gas and rent have become increasingly difficult for small businesses to manage.
“I’d rather pay another dollar an hour to an employee than all these other costs because it’s the other costs that we are not addressing that are really raising prices and making everything difficult for small business owners.”
Other Oklahomans voiced concerns about the proposal.
Tulsa resident Pam Ibbetson said she plans to vote no on State Question 832 because she believes increasing wages could lead to higher prices for consumers.
“Because what people don’t understand, $15 an hour sounds really good, but every year it goes up,” Ibbetson stated.
Local farmer Ginny Smith also said she believes the measure could negatively impact farmers and other industries across Oklahoma.
Smith said, “As a farmer, it will devastate farmers and we are asking people to do their research, but please do not vote for this bill.”
If approved by voters, State Question 832 would go into effect Jan. 1, 2027.
