Articles
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Culture & the Family
Created to work: A Christian consideration of work, human dignity, and the consequences of SQ 832
Work is one of the primary ways human beings bear God's image through responsibility, creativity, stewardship, and service to others. Christians should evaluate SQ 832 not merely as a wage policy, but as a policy that creates barriers to work itself and the opportunities work provides.Matt Oberdick | June 3, 2026
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Education
New players reshape education policy as Oklahoma teacher unions rank 50th nationally
A new report finds that teacher unions are no longer the dominant force in education policy debates they once were, as school-choice advocates, reform groups, and others have gained influence nationwide. The study ranks Oklahoma's teacher unions among the weakest in the country—ahead of only Arkansas.Ray Carter | June 3, 2026
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Economy
As Oklahomans cut back on dining out, poll suggests restaurants could face additional pressure under SQ 832
A new survey finds that more than 70 percent of Oklahomans have cut back on restaurant dining or takeout purchases because of rising prices, prompting warnings that State Question 832 could place additional strain on both consumers and restaurants.Ray Carter | June 3, 2026
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Education
Oklahoma Blaine amendment debate highlights contested history of religious liberty and education
Is Oklahoma's constitutional prohibition on public funding of religious institutions a "Blaine amendment" rooted in the anti-Catholic politics of the late nineteenth century?Ray Carter | June 3, 2026
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Economy
Would SQ 832 cost consumers more than the grocery tax repeal saved?
Customer savings from Oklahoma’s recent repeal of the state sales tax on groceries could be wiped out, nearly twice over, by the negative effects of SQ 832.Ray Carter | June 2, 2026
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Economy
Poor better off in Oklahoma than in high-minimum-wage states
As Oklahoma voters weigh State Question 832, a new analysis suggests that higher minimum-wage mandates do not necessarily translate into higher incomes for low-income workers.Ray Carter | June 2, 2026
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Economy
More than 100 Oklahoma lawmakers oppose SQ 832
More than 100 Oklahoma legislators, including House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, have signed a letter urging voters to reject State Question 832. The lawmakers warn that the proposal's automatic annual minimum-wage increases would lead to higher consumer costs, job losses, and financial strain for city and county governments.Ray Carter | June 1, 2026
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Economy
Enid leaders urge voters to reject SQ 832
The Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce has joined a growing coalition of business organizations opposing State Question 832. Chamber leaders warned the measure could create significant challenges for small businesses and rural employers.Ray Carter | June 1, 2026
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Education
Lawmakers put Oklahoma’s educational future on a better path
This year’s legislative session could mark a turning point for a public school system that has long ranked among the nation’s lowest performers.Jonathan Small | June 1, 2026
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Economy
With SQ 832, rural Oklahoma ‘has the most to lose’
State Treasurer Todd Russ, a longtime resident of western Oklahoma, says ever-increasing wage hikes will be especially harsh for rural communities.Ray Carter | May 28, 2026