Oklahoma small business owners are urging state lawmakers to focus on policies that support small businesses as the 2026 legislative session begins. According to Jerrod Shouse, State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in Oklahoma, rising costs remain a significant concern.
“Rising costs continue to be a challenge for small business owners here in Oklahoma,” said Shouse. “There are practical reforms that lawmakers can prioritize this session to give Main Street Oklahomans relief. In addition to cutting taxes, our members want lawmakers to be informed by real cost data and coverage impacts, not guesswork, when crafting health insurance mandates. Giving the Legislature the tools it needs to make smarter decisions that affect small businesses’ health insurance premiums is a commonsense solution.”
Shouse also expressed opposition to SQ 832, a measure that would increase the minimum wage in Oklahoma.
“As the Legislature considers these reforms to ease cost pressures, SQ 832 moves Oklahoma in the opposite direction. Raising the minimum wage will undoubtedly result in higher prices for employers and consumers and fewer jobs for vulnerable workers. NFIB will continue urging voters to reject SQ 832.”
Small business leaders hope their priorities will be considered as legislators address economic issues affecting local employers and workers.
