Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Breaks With GOP in Support of SQ 832…

The only thing on this year’s primary ballot where every Oklahoma voter gets a say is SQ 832.

If approved by voters – and let’s hope it is – the measure would gradually increase Oklahoma’s minimum wage to $15 an hour and, starting in 2030, connect future increases to inflation.

Here’s the gist…

This measure amends the Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act ("OMWA") under the Oklahoma Statutes to increase the state minimum wage. Employers must pay employees at least $9 per hour beginning in 2025, increasing $1.50 annually for a final rate of $15 per hour in 2029. Beginning in 2030 and continuing indefinitely, the minimum wage would automatically increase annually based on the increase in the cost of living, if any, as measured by the U.S. Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers; the minimum wage increase would continue with any successor agency or index.

For the most part, support and opposition to the state question has fallen along the typical political divide, with right-wing lunatics, greedy Chamber of Commerce dicks, and other free-market-style Republicans opposing the proposal, while most Democrats, Independents, and other compassionate semi-sane people support it.

One of those compassionate semi-sane people is Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn.

Because she’s not running for re-election and doesn’t have to worry about losing all political backing and donor support, she came out of the Chamber of Commerce closet and voiced her support for the measure on News 9:

That’s pretty badass. I doubt most Oklahomans even know who Leslie Osborn is or if her endorsement matters, but it’s refreshing to see an Oklahoma politician put principle and sound policy over politics, donor appeasement, and the state’s sacred tradition of keeping poor people poor!

Here’s more from her interview with News 9:

“We are living in a time when people are scared to talk out because of the polarization of politics. I promise you I have talked to multiple Republicans, elected Republicans, that are very supportive of this, but they just have been hesitant to make a stand,” she said.

“To be honest, I’m terming out in November, but I’ve always been known as being rather bold anyway, so I hope I would have done it regardless, but I do believe this is in the best benefit for our state.”

Yep, that’s right. She would have endorsed raising the minimum wage even if she wasn’t terming out. I’m not sure I believe that, but it’s okay. It’s the thought of a lie that counts!

Anyway, I’ve asked around the Ogle Mole Network, and the polling seems to back up Osborn’s claim that many Republicans are at least considering voting for the proposal. The catch, as always, is turnout. The more people who vote in the election in a few weeks, the more likely SQ 832 is to pass.

So on that note, if you want to learn more about raising the minimum wage, how SQ 832 works, and how you can get involved and spread the message, visit the SQ 832 website. They have a bunch of resources you can use.

On the other hand, if you’re against people making a livable wage and want to see the dishonest, panic-peddling, dystopian scare tactics the opposition is using to scare Oklahomans into voting no, you can visit their website here. I think it’s being put together by the clairvoyant guy in Spencer Humphrey’s report below, so keep that in mind when deciding where – and from whom – you’re getting your information.

Stay with The Lost Ogle. We’ll keep you advised.