For Oklahoma, it’s a split screen moment in the never-ending public policy battles between the haves and the have-nots. Last Monday, the state Supreme Court greenlighted SQ 832, the initiative that will allow voters to act where the Legislature refused – on whether to raise the state’s unconscionable $7.25 an hour minimum wage for the first time in 15 years.
Even the prospect of voter approval of raising the minimum wage toward a livable wage is in jeopardy considering a recent vote in the Republican-controlled Oklahoma House. In 2016, nearly 60% of state voters approved raising the classification of felony theft from $500 to $1,000. Last week the House voted 78-20 on party lines to lower that designation back to $500. I think we could expect a similar reactionary response should voters OK raising the minimum wage.
Even the prospect of voter approval of raising the minimum wage toward a livable wage is in jeopardy considering a recent vote in the Republican-controlled Oklahoma House. In 2016, nearly 60% of state voters approved raising the classification of felony theft from $500 to $1,000. Last week the House voted 78-20 on party lines to lower that designation back to $500. I think we could expect a similar reactionary response should voters OK raising the minimum wage.