State Question 832 threatens entry-level jobs by raising labor costs in Oklahoma

7 articles · Updated · Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs · Apr 29

Research cited by Curtis Shelton shows that over 75% of minimum-wage workers are under 35, with about half under 25, and 40% from households above the poverty line.
Shelton argues that SQ 832 could eliminate crucial entry-level positions, increasing poverty risk for low-skill workers by making it harder to find jobs that serve as a starting point for career advancement.
Studies indicate that stable employment significantly reduces the likelihood of falling into poverty, and policies reducing job opportunities may inadvertently increase long-term poverty rates among Oklahomans.

Could raising the minimum wage actually increase jobs by countering employer market power?

Will a statewide $15 wage help or harm Oklahoma's rural towns with lower living costs?

With costs rising 50% since 2009, is the current $7.25 minimum wage still viable for workers?

If entry-level jobs decline, how will young Oklahomans gain crucial work experience?

Beyond wages, what other policies are most effective at lifting families from poverty?

How will Oklahoma's small businesses cope with a wage hike that large corporations can absorb?