On the ballot: varying views on Oklahoma State Question 832’s proposal to increase minimum wage

Of the many things that will be up for a vote on Oklahoma’s June 16 ballot, State Question 832 (SQ 832) is one of the most talked about. It proposes a gradual raise in the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2029. A more thorough explanation of the state question can be found here. The proposal comes after it was continually pointed out that the state’s minimum wage hadn’t increased since 2009 and is set at $7.25.

Many Oklahomans have expressed concerns over the recent inflation of gas, groceries, and housing prices which was another factor in why the state question being on the ballot is so relevant. The hope for the initiative, if passed, is that it will decrease poverty rates and boost the economy.

For some Oklahoma residents, such as Saige Jacobs who serves as the Lawton Field Organizer for Raise the Wage, an increase in minimum wage is long overdue. She said that the stagnance in wage rate has left Oklahoma economically behind other states. 

In an attempt to educate the community about what SQ 832 offers, Jacobs has been canvassing and holding public events over the topic. She held one event on April 25, one on May 16, and still has one coming up on June 13.

“I get out and get people to events — no one’s doing that. You know, it’s not the most fun thing, maybe it’s kinda lame even, but it’s humbling. People reject you left and right, but who cares. It’s what needs to be done,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs claimed she was recruited to run the Lawton chapter of Raise the Wage because of her commitment to the cause and her involvement in her community. She said that the organizers felt that Lawton could be a “turning point community.” Jacobs agreed to get involved, because she said she sees the difference SQ 832 could make since she grew up with a single mom who struggled financially and is struggling to stay afloat in the current economy, herself. She added that 80% of people are working families, with some being single parents, and she believes they deserve to survive financially.

As far as how minimum wage impacts Lawton residents directly, Jacobs said it affects the young and the old alike. She said that many young people are leaving Lawton because they feel it offers no opportunities. On the other hand, she said older members of the community can’t afford to retire and are forced to work through old age or face losing what they have. She said she believes SQ 832 could address both of these issues.

“The minimum wage was established to be a living wage – a sub-floor minimum, so everyone could have a living wage. Before, there was a standard of living for people. They were given something that’s been taken from us,” Jacobs said.

Some concerns have been voiced about how SQ 832 could impact the balance of small communities. One concern is how it could impact small local businesses' ability to afford things. Another is how it could further increase the cost of living. Lastly, some are concerned about the impact it would have on teenagers' role in the job force. 

Jacobs responded by saying she’s spoken to several local business owners, some who support SQ 832, and others who are against it. She pointed out that businesses with less than 10 employees and less than $100,000 in gross annual sales would be exempt from the expectations. She also mentioned that she believes people deserve to be properly compensated for the work they do and that if business owners can’t deliver that, they should be the ones doing the work. She added that she thinks it’s wrong for employees to struggle for the sake of their employers' dreams.

Mary Colfer is the owner of Mary’s Curious Goods, a local business that opened in the Lawton area in 1992. She said from the time she opened her doors, she’s faced many challenges as a small business owner. As of late, she said those struggles involve a decline in business since money is tight for everyone and many of the items in her store are considered nonessential. 

Currently Colfer said she has six employees, who she said she pays more than the current minimum wage rate. However, she shared that she doesn’t support SQ 832 because she fears how it would impact her ability to retain all of her employees. She did admit that she didn’t know if her business would be exempt from the expectations of SQ 832 because she hadn’t looked into it. She also expressed fears of the minimum wage increase resulting in the price of goods continuing to increase. 

“When we were in the army, every pay increase that congress passed, the prices for housing, the commissary and PX would go up equal to it the month before the pay increase went into effect,” Colfer said.

On the other hand, Colfer did note that she is in favor of a minimum wage as a whole because she believes it prevents some employers from only paying “a couple of dollars an hour.” She added that this is her reasoning for paying her employees more than the minimum wage, when sales allow for it. 

“If it passes, it would be nice if it really made a difference,” Colfer said.  “I’m afraid only the big corporations won’t be as affected, since they make way more than those of us with small businesses.”

In regards to SQ 832 increasing the cost of living, Jacobs said the inflation has already begun and likely won’t stop anytime soon. She believes that increasing the minimum wage would give people a fighting chance at surviving it.

Dark Roast’s Reanna asked Lawton community members what their thoughts on SQ 832 are. One person expressed that they were against SQ 832 because they believed it would result in a large number of people getting fired, which big businesses would be able to address through machines, but small businesses owners wouldn’t be able to counteract. They stated, “You can force employers to pay more per hour, but you can’t force them to keep everyone employed.” 

Through the opposite lens, another community participant expressed support for SQ 832 because they believe it would allow the average person to get by on what they’re paid without having to seek additional resources. They said, “Oklahomans could make due with only one job when previously, they would work multiple. This also means less people having to rely on governmental assistance – which is meant to help people, not give handouts – and people’s quality of life will increase.” That said, they expressed that an increase in minimum wage should be carried out in increments to allow small businesses to keep up. They said their only concerns about SQ 832 are the lack of information on why the Attorney General revised some of the wording and why the organizations promoting it aren’t being more transparent about who they are (a PAC, organization, or nonprofit).

As far as SQ 832’s impact on working teens, Jacobs said that she doesn’t feel that teenagers making more money is negative. She pointed out that most of them work part time anyway and increasing their wage would allow them to save for the upcoming expenses of adulthood, such as transportation, housing, or going to college.

“With eight thirty two, it’s actually in the hands of the people right now. It’s already gone to the senate twice and now it’s up to Oklahomans to go out and vote,” Jacobs said. “I’m not telling people they have to vote yes, I just want people to go out and vote. If you wanna vote no, then go out and vote no, but we need to go out and vote as Oklahomans.”

Ultimately, there are many thoughts and opinions on SQ 832. While everyone seems to have their stance on whether they’re for it or against it, there’s no way to know the impact it will have for sure unless it’s voted in. The best way to decide which stance to take on it is to do research and determine which risks seem the most worthwhile, and which rewards seem the most beneficial.  

Jacobs suggests that those who are interested in learning more about SQ 832, read about it through the OK Policy Institute. The Oklahoma State Election Board and Ballotpedia are other good sources for unbiased information about the state question. Jacobs is also holding one last event to educate the community about SQ 832 on June 13 around 10 a.m. at 1001 SW B Avenue, Suite 150-160 in Lawton. She also encourages people, especially young people, who are passionate about SQ 832, or any ballot topic, to get involved and use their voice. She mentioned that the power of word of mouth far outweighs what can be achieved online.