Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn is breaking with many Republican elected officials and business groups by endorsing State Question 832, the ballot measure that would gradually raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour.
Osborn, a Republican who is term-limited and leaving office this year, announced her support for the proposal less than three weeks before Oklahoma voters will decide its fate at the June 16 election.
The endorsement gives supporters of SQ 832 a prominent Republican ally in a campaign that has largely divided along traditional political lines. Business organizations and many GOP leaders have opposed the measure, arguing it would increase labor costs and place additional burdens on employers, particularly small businesses.
Osborn told News 9 that Oklahoma’s minimum wage has remained unchanged for too long and that many working families are struggling to keep up with rising costs.
“We need to pay people enough that they don’t have to be on government assistance,” Osborn said.
State Question 832 would increase Oklahoma’s minimum wage from the current $7.25 per hour to $12 in 2027, $13.50 in 2028 and $15 in 2029. Future increases would be tied to inflation. The proposal would also expand minimum wage protections to some workers who are currently exempt under state law.
Supporters argue the measure would help wages keep pace with the rising costs of housing, food and other necessities. Opponents contend the increases could force businesses to raise prices, reduce hiring or cut employee hours.
Osborn’s support carries particular weight because of her long history within the Republican Party. Before winning election as labor commissioner in 2018, she served for a decade in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, including as chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee.
The minimum wage proposal has become one of Oklahoma’s most closely watched ballot questions this year, drawing significant attention from labor advocates, business groups and political organizations on both sides of the issue.
Voters will decide State Question 832 on June 16.
Source: News 9.
