Becca Yanez (OU)
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla (April 16th 2021)- Senate Bill No. OU-012 written by Senator Connor Boren known as the “Living Wages” Act of 2021. The bill seeks to increase the state minimum wage by $14. Within 90 days, the first spike would go from $7.25 to $9, two years after this date the spike will hike up to $11.50 and four years after the initial effective date. During Boren’s author’s explanation, he states the importance of increasing the minimum wage in a way that will best serve the state economy.
“It is necessary and it is stable,” Boren said. “ It is easily adaptable for businesses but provides quicker relief for workers.”
Senators expressed concerns about the possibility of inflation.
“Even costs of candy bars have gone up ( because of inflation),” Boren said. “It is in my opinion that raising the minimum wage will help combat inflation.”
Senator Tessla Brewer from the University of Oklahoma dropped an article from CNBC in the Zoom comments with the headline “Nearly half of Americans say rising cost of living is the greatest threat to financial security. Senator Villa from OBU also dropped an article from CNBC with the headline “ Seattle passed a $15 minimum wage law in 2014. Here’s how it’s turned out so far.” Both articles serve as evidence in favor of the bill.
Comments were made publicly during the voting period as pictured below. Senator Boren responded to those comments in an interview stating that he expected each point of criticism and clarified that the minimum wage was meant to be a living wage for single adults with no children, rather than families.
“I am looking forward to having it ( the bill) heard in the house),” Boren said.
The bill ultimately passed with a narrow vote of 10-8-5. The bill is set to be seen by the house chamber in the coming days.
The House chamber recently passed legislation written by Oklahoma State Representative Anna Pope for a minimum wage increase that was vetoed by Governor Hickey last session despite passing both chambers. Boren anticipates that the house will be receptive to his bill upon hitting the floor.