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Since tying its minimum wage to inflation in 2007, Montana has seen higher business failure rates, weaker startup survival, and a sharp drop in labor-force participation among young workers. Oklahoma risks repeating that pattern if voters approve SQ 832.

Oklahoma state agencies have unveiled their latest holiday wish lists, asking lawmakers for an extra $1.74 billion in funding—double last year’s request. The appeal comes after years of steep spending growth, with appropriations rising $4.7 billion since Gov. Kevin Stitt took office. Higher education is seeking the largest boost at $426 million, while the Space Port Authority again asks for the biggest percentage increase: 2,067%.

Over the past 25 years, Washington state raised its minimum wage by 150 percent and, in 2021, locked in automatic annual hikes—just like those proposed under Oklahoma’s State Question 832. The results have been predictable.

Rising property valuations are driving up tax bills, and Oklahoma homeowners are feeling the pinch. Here are some sensible reforms that state lawmakers should consider.

Oklahoma could face up to $226 million in annual penalties under new federal rules targeting states with high SNAP error rates, but one straightforward fix could dramatically reduce that risk.