A few days ago, while checking out at a local Korean market, I had a brief conversation with a college student working part-time. When I asked how much they were making, they smiled and said it was just minimum wage. That comment stuck with me, so today I want to talk about minimum wage.

First, let's clarify the facts. Oklahoma's minimum wage is still $7.25 per hour. This is the same amount as the federal minimum wage, and it hasn't increased since July 2009.

This year, there was an attempt to change that number. It was called State Question 832, commonly referred to as SQ 832, a citizen initiative. It was set to appear on the ballot for the primary election on June 16, 2026.

The proposal included a phased increase. It aimed to raise the wage to $12 in 2027, $13.50 in 2028, and $15 in 2029. Starting in 2030, it would be adjusted annually based on the CPI-W, which is the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners.

The result was a defeat. According to the tally, opposition exceeded 55%, while support lingered in the low 44% range. The difference was greater than expected.

One point to note is that this proposal could have originally appeared on the ballot for the general election in November 2024. However, due to delays in signature verification, it couldn't meet that timeline, and Governor Stitt set the voting date for the primary election in June 2026 through an executive order.

Primary elections typically have lower voter turnout compared to general elections. A spokesperson for the campaign mentioned that if it had been on the ballot for the higher-turnout November election, the outcome might have been different.

It's also important to fairly present the opposing argument. The state chamber of commerce argued that a strong labor market is already driving wages up, suggesting that government intervention is unnecessary. The governor, mainstream Republicans, and the conservative think tank OCPA also opposed the measure.

In fact, if you look at job postings from large chains or logistics centers in OKC, many offer wages higher than $7.25. This has led to claims that the minimum wage is irrelevant, but I see it differently.

The minimum wage is not the amount everyone receives; it is a safety net that protects the most vulnerable workers. This includes first-generation immigrants with limited English skills, teenagers just starting their first jobs, and those working in small businesses. When the economy worsens, it is these individuals who are most likely to fall to that floor.

Let's look at the numbers. At $7.25 for 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, that amounts to a pre-tax income of $15,080. Under the same conditions, at $15, it would be $31,200.

That's more than double the difference. Just considering rent and car insurance, that's a tight amount for living alone.

Comparing with neighboring states makes it even clearer. Arkansas passed a citizen initiative in 2018 with 68.5% support, raising its minimum wage to $11 starting in 2021. Missouri will reach $15 in January 2026.

We share the same living area, yet a single state line creates such a disparity in the minimum wage. While it's true that Oklahoma has a lower cost of living than its neighbors, I believe that such a difference cannot be fully explained by that alone.

So what can our Korean community members working here do? I'll outline a few key points that I always emphasize.

First, make sure to keep your pay stubs. It's important to develop the habit of checking that your hours, pay rate, and deductions are correct each time. If you're being paid in cash, make sure to write down your hours worked by date.

Second, be aware of overtime regulations. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), hourly workers are entitled to receive 1.5 times their regular pay for hours worked over 40 in a week. Surprisingly, many people overlook this.

Third, if you have issues, don't suffer in silence. You can consult or report to the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor at 1-866-487-9243. If you're hesitant, start with a consultation.

Fourth, when considering a job change, don't just look at the hourly wage. You should compare health insurance benefits, paid leave, and shift differentials to see the true conditions. Sometimes, a difference of 50 cents in hourly wage is less significant than a single insurance benefit.

I understand the perspective of business owners. Running a small restaurant or laundromat means that a $1 increase in labor costs can directly impact profit margins. Therefore, I believe that discussions about phased increases should go hand in hand with support for small businesses.

However, if the floor is too low, that cost ultimately shifts elsewhere. When low-wage workers rely on public assistance programs, the burden falls back on all of us who pay taxes.

That said, this defeat is not the end. Citizen initiatives can be proposed again, and the state legislature can change the law. If the federal minimum wage increases, Oklahoma will automatically follow suit.

So what I want to emphasize is voting. Important issues often come up in primary elections, just like this one. If you are a citizen, it's a good idea to check your voter registration status in advance.

Personally, I hoped the $15 proposal would pass. My standard is that anyone who works hard should be able to make a minimum living. Of course, I respect other opinions as well.

The student I met at the market mentioned they would soon be moving on to another job. While that gave me some relief, it also left me feeling bittersweet, knowing there are certainly others without options.

In summary, Oklahoma's minimum wage remains at $7.25, and SQ 832 was defeated in June 2026. Keeping track of your pay stubs, checking for overtime, and participating in the next vote are the things we can do.

If you know someone struggling with wage issues, please share this article with them.