Report on Socioeconomic and Criminal Justice Issues with Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Advocating for a Higher Minimum Wage to Combat Poverty

The U.S. Senate Bill 2013, known as the Higher Wages for American Workers Act of 2025, proposes raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour and indexing it to inflation. This initiative aims to address poverty wages and promote economic fairness.

Key Points:

• Current minimum wage jobs pay wages near or below the federal poverty threshold of $15,650 for a single household, with minimum wage income at $15,080 annually.
• In Oklahoma, food assistance eligibility is set at an income limit of $1,632 per month ($9.41 per hour), indicating reliance on government support due to low wages.
• Employers typically pay the lowest wages possible; a fair minimum wage protects workers from poverty without penalizing businesses.
• Government subsidies currently compensate for low wages, effectively subsidizing employers who pay poverty wages.

SDG Alignment:

1. SDG 1 – No Poverty: Raising the minimum wage directly targets poverty reduction by ensuring workers earn a living wage.
2. SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promotes fair wages and decent working conditions for all workers.
3. SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Addresses income inequality by increasing earnings for low-wage workers.

Call to action: Citizens are encouraged to contact their congressional representatives to support this legislation and promote economic justice.

2. Reforming Parole to Reduce Prison Overpopulation and Costs

Oklahoma currently houses approximately 23,000 inmates, significantly exceeding the estimated ideal population of 15,000 for a state of 4 million residents. Many inmates serve lengthy sentences exceeding 20 years, including elderly individuals who pose minimal risk.

Key Points:

• Long-term incarceration has increased since 1988, with some inmates serving 35 to 50 years.
• Medical costs for aging prisoners are substantial, suggesting financial incentives to parole elderly inmates.
• The Department of Corrections’ FY2025 budget is $544 million, averaging over $23,000 per inmate annually.
• The Parole Board is urged to increase parole approvals to reduce overcrowding and costs.

SDG Alignment:

1. SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Reducing incarceration of elderly inmates can improve health outcomes and reduce medical expenses.
2. SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Supports fair and effective justice system reforms and reduces prison overcrowding.
3. SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Addresses systemic issues in incarceration and promotes equitable treatment.

3. Utilizing Existing Jail Facilities to Optimize Resources

Discussions about building a new county jail in Oklahoma County have not addressed the potential reuse of the former county jail space located in the upper floors of the Oklahoma County Courthouse.

Key Points:

• The former jail facility may require updates to meet current jail codes, including air conditioning.
• Reopening this facility could provide additional jail capacity at a lower cost than constructing a new jail.
• Utilizing existing infrastructure aligns with efficient resource management and fiscal responsibility.

SDG Alignment:

1. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Encourages efficient use of existing urban infrastructure.
2. SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Promotes sustainable management of resources.
3. SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Supports effective administration of justice facilities.

4. Public Perception of Political Leadership and Accountability

Concerns have been raised regarding the consistency and truthfulness of political promises, specifically referencing former President Donald Trump’s campaign and governance conduct.

Key Points:

• Political promises have often been contradicted by subsequent actions.
• Calls for public awareness and critical evaluation of political leadership are emphasized.
• Maintaining perspective and holding leaders accountable is essential for democratic governance.

SDG Alignment:

1. SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Highlights the importance of transparent, accountable, and inclusive institutions.
2. SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Encourages collaboration and trust between governments and citizens.

Conclusion

This report underscores the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities, criminal justice reform, and political accountability within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Implementing policies such as raising the minimum wage, reforming parole practices, optimizing existing infrastructure, and fostering transparent governance are critical steps toward achieving equitable, sustainable, and just communities.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses poverty wages, minimum wage levels, and poverty thresholds, highlighting the need to lift workers out of poverty.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The focus on raising the minimum wage to a living wage and ensuring fair pay connects directly to promoting decent work and economic growth.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The article addresses income inequality by criticizing low wages and government subsidies that compensate for poverty wages.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The discussion about prison overcrowding, parole reform, and the use of jail facilities relates to promoting justice and building effective institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 1 – No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty in all its dimensions.
   • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all.
2. SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
3. SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.1: Achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average.
4. SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 1 and SDG 8:
   • Minimum wage level compared to poverty threshold (e.g., federal minimum wage $15.08 vs. poverty guideline $15,650 annually).
   • Proportion of workers earning less than a living wage.
   • Number of people receiving food assistance and income eligibility thresholds (e.g., Oklahoma food assistance income limit $9.41/hr).
2. Indicators related to SDG 10:
   • Income distribution metrics, such as income growth of the bottom 40%.
   • Government subsidies or tax dollars used to supplement low wages.
3. Indicators related to SDG 16:
   • Number of inmates in custody compared to population size (e.g., Oklahoma has 23,000 inmates vs. expected 15,000).
   • Annual cost per inmate ($23,000 per inmate per year).
   • Parole board approval rates and parole numbers.
   • Jail capacity utilization and availability of jail facilities.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: oklahoman.com