By FOX23.com News Staff
OKLAHOMA — The results are in, and a majority of Oklahomans have voted against State Question 832, meaning the state’s minimum wage will not be raised.
If approved, State Question 832 would have raised Oklahoma’s minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $15 an hour by 2029.
The final results show about 44.4% of people voted “YES” to State Question 832, while 55.6% voted “NO.”
Once the votes were counted, the Tulsa Regional Chamber sent in the following statement:
“The Tulsa Regional Chamber supports efforts to increase wages and expand economic opportunity for Oklahoma workers, but agree with voters that State Question 832, as written, was not the best solution. The inclusion of automatic annual increases tied to national inflation metrics rather than Oklahoma’s unique economic conditions did not reflect wage policy with a balanced approach. The Chamber will continue to work with state lawmakers to support legislation that benefits both workers and employers in a way that promotes long-term economic growth, job creation and business competitiveness.
Thank you to all who participated in Tuesday’s primary, from voters to candidates, and congratulations to those that advanced to the August runoff and November general election.”
Jerrod Shouse, the National Federation of Independent Business State Director, shared the following statement:
“This is a major victory for Main Street Oklahomans and family farms. Throughout this campaign, small business owners made their concerns about State Question 832 clear: higher labor costs would ultimately lead to higher prices and reduced opportunities for entry-level workers. The voters heard those concerns and stood up for Main Street.
Oklahoma’s small businesses understand their employees are their greatest asset, which is why many already pay wages well-above the current minimum. Today’s vote preserves the flexibility small businesses need to grow, hire and invest in the future.
We appreciate the voters who took the time to learn about the unintended consequences of this initiative and are grateful to the countless small business owners who shared their stories through this campaign. NFIB remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen the Oklahoma economy and allow small businesses to thrive.”
