Articles
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Economy, Culture & the Family
Report cards vs. reality: Oklahoma remains a top destination for movers
Recent national rankings labeled Oklahoma among the nation's worst places to live or relocate, but actual migration data tell a different story. Oklahoma's affordability, strong communities, economic opportunity, and family-friendly culture help explain why people continue choosing the state.Ray Carter | July 14, 2026
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Economy
The Tenth Commandment and the rise of socialism
As socialist ideas gain renewed influence in American politics and culture, Christians should recognize that the debate is not merely about economics but about the condition of the human heart.Matt Oberdick | June 26, 2026
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Economy
SQ 832 campaign message clashed with Oklahoma wage reality
While Oklahoma's legal minimum wage will remain at $7.25 an hour, many entry-level occupations already pay substantially more due to competition for workers. In fact, the average wages for jobs highlighted in the pro-SQ 832 campaign advertisements often meet or exceed $15 an hour.Ray Carter | June 22, 2026
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Law & Principles, Economy
SQ 832 gets final push from socialists before election
Supporters of State Question 832—including members of the Oklahoma City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America—have launched a final statewide canvassing effort to encourage voter approval of a proposal that would raise Oklahoma’s minimum wage.Ray Carter | June 15, 2026
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Economy
Who pays for SQ 832? You do.
Because businesses ultimately derive their revenue from customers, the hundreds of millions of dollars in additional labor expenses projected under SQ 832 would inevitably be passed along through higher prices, reduced employment opportunities, cuts in hours or benefits, or some combination of all three.Jonathan Small | June 12, 2026
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Economy
SQ 832 wage formula would outpace Oklahoma inflation, critics warn
State Question 832 would more than double Oklahoma’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2029 and then automatically increase it each year using a national inflation index tied to urban wage earners. Critics say this would drive wage mandates far faster than actual inflation in Oklahoma.Ray Carter | June 11, 2026
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Economy
NFIB: SQ 832 will destroy small-business jobs, raise prices
According to the National Federation of Independent Business, SQ 832's substantial increase in labor costs would force many employers to raise prices, reduce hiring, cut jobs, or scale back expansion plans, with rural communities and small businesses facing the greatest challenges.Ray Carter | June 11, 2026
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Economy
As teen jobs decline, experts say SQ 832 could make things worse
A new report projects that teen summer employment in 2026 will reach its lowest level since federal recordkeeping began in 1948. State Question 832 could further limit entry-level job opportunities in Oklahoma.Ray Carter | June 10, 2026
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Economy
SQ 832 would increase costs for cities, counties, and schools, local officials warn
Local government officials and state lawmakers with experience in city and county leadership are warning that State Question 832 could have consequences far beyond private-sector payrolls, increasing costs for municipalities, counties, and public schools across Oklahoma.Ray Carter | June 9, 2026
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Economy
SQ 832-style law increases California bankruptcies
As Oklahoma voters consider State Question 832, opponents of the measure are pointing to a growing number of restaurant bankruptcies in California as evidence of the risks associated with large government-mandated wage increases.Ray Carter | June 8, 2026