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OKLAHOMA CITY — Volunteers and supporters of the Raise The Wage campaign submitted close to 180,000 signatures today, advocating for fairer wages. This number is nearly double the required amount to ensure State Question 832 qualifies for the November ballot.
Volunteers’ Dedication Shines in Statewide Signature Drive
“Volunteers have worked tirelessly over the last 90 days collecting signatures in every corner of the state,” Cindy Alexander, a volunteer signature collector and lead trainer for the signature drive, said.
“It’s been humbling to be part of a solution to a problem that is faced by so many hard-working Oklahomans, and that’s what I love most about the initiative petition process is knowing I played a vital role in changing a policy that politicians didn’t have the courage to tackle themselves,” Alexander added.
State Question 832 Aims to Boost Minimum Wages to $15 by 2030
State Question 832 proposes a gradual increase in the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour. After 2030, the minimum wage would rise with inflation, ensuring a regular wage increase for workers.
The costs of gas, groceries and housing have all gone up, but wages have largely stayed the same,” spokesperson Amber England said.
England also notes that “Voters across the state are excited to vote yes to help lift the wages of workers doing essential jobs like caring for the most vulnerable among us in nursing homes and hospitals and those working in industries that care for Oklahoma’s young children in childcare.”
320,000 Oklahomans to Benefit from Fairer Wages if Passed
If passed, more than 320,000 Oklahomans would receive a pay increase. This would help them afford basic living costs like food and rent. Thousands of full-time workers in Oklahoma earn less than $15,100 a year on the current minimum wage.
The minimum wage would increase immediately to $9, providing instant relief to struggling Oklahomans. A recent report ranked Oklahoma 47th in the nation for low-wage workers, attributing this to the state’s low minimum wage.
“We must do better by Oklahoma workers,” England concluded. “These workers are the backbone of our communities and keep our economy going. It’s time that we send a message with our vote that in Oklahoma we live up to our state motto–Labor Conquers all.”
Passing this ballot initiative in November can help lift many Oklahomans out of poverty. Fairer wages will enable workers to better support their families, meet essential needs, and contribute to the local economy. Voting for State Question 832 is a crucial step towards ensuring a more prosperous and equitable future for all Oklahomans.