Bill Levels Playing Field, Encourages Businesses To ‘Thrive’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2014

House Passes Measure to Protect the Cost of Living for Oklahomans and Ensure Businesses Stay in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a measure that keeps municipalities from taking actions that could raise the cost of living and eliminate jobs for Oklahomans.

Senate Bill 1023 ensures municipalities’ cannot mandate a minimum wage higher than the national rate.

Rep. Randy Grau carried the bill, co-authored by House Speaker Jeff Hickman, on the House Floor. He said the measure creates proper safeguards that protect small businesses and consumers.

“This bill provides a level playing field for all municipalities in Oklahoma,” said Rep. Randy Grau, R-Edmond. “An artificial raise in the minimum wage could derail local economies in a matter of months. This is a fair measure for consumers, workers and small business owners.”

Sen. Dan Newberry, the senate co-author of SB 1023, said the measure provides a safer business environment that will allow Oklahoma to remain economically competitive and see continued job growth.

“With the country just exiting the ‘Great Recession’ and many businesses struggling to get by, it is imperative that these decisions be made at the state level and follow the compliance with the federal wage requirements,” said Sen. Newberry, R-Tulsa. “The actions taken today by the House will ensure that businesses are able to thrive and predict costs, and will protect jobs in our urban and rural areas. I congratulate the House of Representatives and Speaker Hickman for acting appropriately and passing this vital legislation. I look forward to the many years of prosperity that Oklahoma has ahead of it.”

“We have seen businesses flee from cities that have tried this in other states,” said House Speaker Jeff Hickman, R-Fairview. “Artificially inflating the minimum wage raises the price of everything from housing and rental costs to a loaf of bread, and causes the loss of jobs which means fewer opportunities for those working to feed their families.“

SB 1023 will now go the desk of Gov. Mary Fallin to be signed into law.

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