Articles
-
Economy
Experts warn SQ 832 will drive up already-high costs
State Question 832 would tie Oklahoma’s minimum wage to inflation and raise the base wage over time. Some experts warn that this will strain small businesses and lead to higher prices or reduced hiring.Ray Carter | May 27, 2026
-
Law & Principles
OCPA files lawsuit to protect free speech, voters’ right to information
A federal lawsuit filed by the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs on behalf of a district judicial candidate contends that Oklahoma’s current laws and regulations unconstitutionally restrict what judicial contenders may say during campaigns, violating their First Amendment rights.Ray Carter | May 26, 2026
-
Economy
SQ 832 means higher prices
State Question 832’s ripple effects would include higher prices for all, fewer job opportunities for many, and increased automation as businesses struggle to absorb soaring labor mandates.Jonathan Small | May 26, 2026
-
Education
NEA report says Oklahoma per-student revenue tops $15,000
A new report from the National Education Association indicates that Oklahoma public schools now receive more than $15,000 per student in annual revenue.Ray Carter | May 21, 2026
-
Economy
Oklahoma employers, civic leaders warn of SQ 832 dangers
Oklahoma business and civic leaders are increasingly warning that State Question 832 would impose severe financial strain on working families by tying Oklahoma’s minimum wage to inflation trends in high-cost cities like New York and San Francisco.Ray Carter | May 20, 2026
-
Law & Principles
Research shows SQ 832 could cut worker benefits
Supporters of State Question 832 argue it will raise take-home pay, but evidence from states with similar laws and decades of academic research indicate the opposite may happen for many workers.Ray Carter | May 19, 2026
-
Economy
OKC socialists position SQ 832 within their broader ideological agenda
As the vote on State Question 832 approaches, the Oklahoma City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America has become one of the measure’s most visible champions. The group links its SQ 832 work with its other preferred causes.Ray Carter | May 18, 2026
-
Budget & Tax, Education
Some Oklahoma lawmakers prioritize gambling over education
Some state lawmakers this year opposed expanding a popular school-choice tax credit that helps families afford private education, while supporting a bill to give tax advantages to individuals with large gambling losses.Jonathan Small | May 18, 2026
-
Economy
SQ 832 would hike minimum wage more in three years than the previous 70 combined
Over the next 15 years, the mandated wage hikes in SQ 832 could rise nearly six times faster than they did over seven decades.Ray Carter | May 15, 2026
-
Education
Education-dominated legislative session reaches end
As Oklahoma’s 2026 legislative session concluded on May 14, leaders said the year was marked by major activity on education policy and other key issues. Much of the session’s work centered on addressing the state’s low academic performance.Ray Carter | May 15, 2026