May Forum explores concerns surrounding State Question 832

Business leaders, economists and policy experts gathered at the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s May Forum to discuss State Question 832 and the potential impacts of raising Oklahoma’s minimum wage. 

Held May 13 at the Petroleum Club of Oklahoma City, the forum featured a panel discussion moderated by Mike Jackson, senior vice president, government relations and policy for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. Panelists included Dr. Russell Evans, dean of the College of Business at the University of Central Oklahoma; James Leewright, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association; and Adam Maxey, vice president of government affairs for The State Chamber of Oklahoma.  

Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized that while wages should continue increasing, they expressed concerns that State Question 832’s structure, particularly its automatic inflation-based increases, is not the right fit for Oklahoma’s economy. Speakers pointed to Oklahoma’s lower cost of living, workforce needs and business climate as reasons the state may require a different approach than larger coastal markets.  

Conversation throughout the forum centered on workforce shortages, automation, inflation and the pressures already facing small businesses, especially in industries with narrow operating margins like restaurants and hospitality. Panelists also discussed the potential long-term impacts of automation and reduced entry-level job opportunities if labor costs rise too quickly.  

Rather than focusing solely on wage mandates, speakers pointed to workforce development, education, career technology programs and skills training as longer-term solutions for improving economic mobility and supporting higher wages across the state.  

As part of the event, attendees also viewed the Chamber’s explainer video on State Question 832, which outlines key details of the proposal and its potential economic implications. 

Watch the explainer video here: 

State Question 832 will appear on Oklahoma ballots this June. The Chamber encourages voters to review the proposal carefully and stay informed about how the measure could impact Oklahoma’s workforce, employers and long-term economic competitiveness.