Gov Taking Heat Over Minimum Wage Bill
Criticism mounts following minimum wage bill signed by Fallin
By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
OKLAHOMA CITY — Criticism is mounting regarding Gov. Mary Fallin’s decision to sign a bill that prohibits cities and towns from increasing the minimum wage to an amount higher than that of the state.
The state has adopted the federal rate of $7.25.
Fallin on Monday signed Senate Bill 1023 that prevents the increase. It appears to have shuttered efforts to circulate an initiative petition in Oklahoma City to increase the rate.
President Barack Obama has advocated for increasing the rate to $10.10 an hour.
Fallin on Wednesday issued a statement saying Obama’s plan ignores economic reality.
“President Obama and the Democratic Party are advocating for an increase in the minimum wage from $7.75 (sic) to $10.10,” Fallin said. “They believe that on this issue, like on so many others, the government can just mandate prosperity and growth with no consideration of economic reality. Now they are taking that fight to Oklahoma, urging their liberal allies to push for mandatory wage increases.