Legislation to boost minimum wage
“Oklahomans deserve to be paid fairly so they can offset the rising costs of healthcare,
housing and food,” Young said. “Closing the wage gap between the poverty line
and middle class would have a tremendous impact on our economy by increasing
consumer spending and generating more tax revenue for our municipalities and
state.”
Thirty-one states have a minimum wage requirement higher than the federal minimum,
according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures. While
Texas and Kansas match Oklahoma’s $7.25 an hour minimum wage, Missouri’s
minimum wage rate is $8.60 per hour and Arkansas’ minimum wage rate is $10 per
hour. Both states have plans to further increase their rates in the coming years.
“The spending power of a minimum wage paycheck has been significantly reduced since
the last minimum wage raise more than a decade ago,” Young said, noting the
last minimum wage increase in Oklahoma was in 2008 when the rate increased from
$6.55 to $7.25 per hour.
Senate Bill 1165 would require employers to pay their employees a minimum wage of
$10.50 per hour, or match the federal minimum wage rate, whichever is greater.
Oklahoma’s current minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, which is equal to the federal
minimum wage.