Authors
Ray Carter
Director, Center for Independent Journalism
Ray Carter is the director of OCPA’s Center for Independent Journalism. He has two decades of experience in journalism and communications. He previously served as senior Capitol reporter for The Journal Record, media director for the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and chief editorial writer at The Oklahoman. As a reporter for The Journal Record, Carter received 12 Carl Rogan Awards in four years—including awards for investigative reporting, general news reporting, feature writing, spot news reporting, business reporting, and sports reporting. While at The Oklahoman, he was the recipient of several awards, including first place in the editorial writing category of the Associated Press/Oklahoma News Executives Carl Rogan Memorial News Excellence Competition for an editorial on the history of racism in the Oklahoma legislature.
Recent Articles
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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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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
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Education
State data show rising demand for Oklahoma school choice tax credits
Newly released Oklahoma Tax Commission data show continued growth in participation in the state’s Parental Choice Tax Credit program, including among homeless, financially disadvantaged, and welfare-recipient students.Ray Carter | May 28, 2026
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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
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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
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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
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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
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