Lawton, OK — As the filing deadline for fiscal bills passes, two state senators are working to address what they see as a growing economic gap for Oklahoma’s low-wage workers. Senators Carri Hicks and Nikki Nice are pushing for legislative changes aimed at raising the state’s minimum wage in 2025, arguing that the current rate of $7.25 per hour is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of average Oklahomans.
Senator Nice has introduced a proposal that would gradually increase the state’s minimum wage to $13 per hour, with an annual raise of $0.50 over a five-year period. Senator Hicks, meanwhile, is advocating for a more substantial change, calling for a $15 minimum wage for all workers in the state. The two senators argue that such increases are crucial as the cost of living continues to rise, particularly in areas like housing, groceries, and gas.
Amber England, a long-time advocate for raising the minimum wage in Oklahoma, welcomed the recent efforts from the state’s lawmakers. England, who has been leading a campaign for higher wages for over a year, said the new proposals align with the growing recognition that wages have largely stagnated while the cost of essential goods has steadily increased.
“These senators have recognized the need to increase wages in Oklahoma,” England said. “What we know is that the cost of gas, groceries, and housing just keeps going up. Wages have largely stayed the same.”
However, despite the progress, England remains doubtful about the bills’ chances of passing in the legislature. She pointed to the historical challenges of getting minimum wage bills through Oklahoma’s Republican-controlled state legislature, noting that previous efforts to raise wages have repeatedly stalled.
“That has certainly been the case in years past. It’s why we ultimately went to the ballot because we put our faith in people, not politicians, to actually get this done,” England added.
In response to what she sees as legislative inaction, England helped write a state question aimed at raising the minimum wage. The measure is scheduled to appear on the ballot during the June 16, 2026, primary election, allowing voters to decide directly on the issue. If the legislature does not act before then, the proposal will give Oklahomans the opportunity to raise the minimum wage through a popular vote.
“If the legislature gets it done before then, great,” England said. “But again, I have very little faith this legislature has any interest in helping the working folks of Oklahoma.”
While the minimum wage debate remains contentious in Oklahoma, the recent push from Senators Hicks and Nice signals a growing acknowledgment among some lawmakers that the state’s wages are out of step with rising living costs. However, it remains unclear whether this momentum will be enough to break the legislative gridlock and bring meaningful wage increases to the state’s workforce.
As of now, Oklahoma’s minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum. Advocates for change, like England and the two senators, say that unless significant adjustments are made soon, the gap between income and cost of living will continue to widen, making it harder for low-income families to get by.
The battle for a higher minimum wage in Oklahoma is far from over, and with the 2026 ballot initiative on the horizon, it appears that the issue will continue to shape state politics in the years to come.
