Articles
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Economy
The social and economic downsides of SQ 832
The minimum wage has historically produced unintended economic and social consequences, particularly for low-skilled teenagers.Byron Schlomach, Ph.D. | April 22, 2026
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Economy
California’s wage experiment offers warning as Oklahoma weighs SQ 832
A recent study from the University of California, Santa Cruz, finds that California’s $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers has led to reduced hours, slower hiring, and higher menu prices.Curtis Shelton | April 21, 2026
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Economy
IRS data: Oklahoma emerges as magnet for young workers
New IRS-based data show that Oklahoma is gaining ground as a destination for domestic migrants—particularly younger workers—ranking among the top states for net population growth.Ray Carter | April 20, 2026
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Economy
Cherokee Nation Businesses push effort to hike Oklahoma minimum wage
A campaign finance report shows that Cherokee Nation Businesses contributed $25,000 to support State Question 832, a proposed ballot measure that would raise Oklahoma’s minimum wage and index future increases to a cost-of-living measure tied to urban wage earners.Ray Carter | April 16, 2026
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Economy
Tax cuts and fiscal restraint have paid off for Oklahoma
Tax cuts and fiscal discipline have produced strong economic results for Oklahoma. Conservative policy works.Jonathan Small | April 13, 2026
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Budget & Tax, Economy
Report says Oklahoma is top 10 for low taxes, yet rivals without income tax post bigger gains
A new report ranks Oklahoma among the 10 states with the lowest overall tax burden, but several no-income-tax states still outperform Oklahoma on measures such as migration, job growth, and rising income levels.Ray Carter | April 1, 2026
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Economy, Culture & the Family
SQ 832 will undercut pro-life efforts by reducing economic stability
SQ 832 would trigger automatic annual minimum-wage increases in Oklahoma tied to national price trends. This model has spurred economic conditions that harm young and low-income workers—and reduce opportunities for women facing difficult pregnancy decisions.Jonathan Small, Dave Bond & Matt Oberdick | March 31, 2026
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Economy
Tulsa burger shop owner says SQ 832 would force menu prices to rise again
A Tulsa restaurant owner is warning that State Question 832, which would tie Oklahoma’s minimum wage to cost-of-living increases in major U.S. cities, could significantly raise fast-food prices and strain family budgets.Ray Carter | March 31, 2026
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Economy
SQ 832 would hit small businesses hard
SQ 832 would raise Oklahoma’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2029 and tie future increases to the cost of living in expensive urban areas nationwide. The measure would pressure small businesses, reduce job opportunities for younger workers, and mirror negative outcomes seen in other states.Curtis Shelton | March 27, 2026
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Economy
IRS data suggest Oklahoma’s real growth engine isn’t subsidy schemes—it’s economic freedom
For years, Oklahoma politicians chased mega-projects with giant subsidy offers—and mostly lost. But newly released IRS data show that the state did far better by cutting taxes and expanding economic freedom.Ray Carter | March 23, 2026