Governor Signs Bill to Modify Small Employer Quality Jobs Incentive Act

Governor Brad Henry on Wednesday signed a measure modifying requirements for applicants to the Small Employer Quality Jobs Act, including a provision that would require applicants in low-income areas to pay employees 100 percent of the average county wage.

Rep. R.C. Pruett, House author of House Bill 2628, said the wage requirement depends upon unemployment and income statistics.

“Under this bill, if the county where the new jobs are to be located has a median income level 15 percent below the federal poverty level, then wages must be at least 100 percent of the county average,” said Pruett, D-Antlers. “Many counties in my area of the state would be positively affected by this bill.”

The measure also restores provisions regarding payment of employee health care premiums. If health care
premiums are not paid by the employer, the wage requirement is 110 percent of the average county wage.
Sen. Jeff Rabon, Senate author of the measure, said the bill will allow qualifying businesses to receive wage incentive payments to bring their pay up to the national average.

“This bill not only ensures employees will be paid fair wages, but also gives businesses the incentive to do just that,” said Rabon, D-Hugo. “This bill will help us bring quality jobs that pay quality wages to our communities. I’m pleased the Governor has signed this bill to help the areas of the state that need business growth the most.”

The following counties currently have a median income level of 15 percent below the federal poverty level and an unemployment rate 10 percent higher than the state average: Caddo, Choctaw, Coal, Greer, Hughes, Jefferson, Kay, Latimer, McCurtain, Muskogee, Okfuskee, Okmulgee and Seminole.