OPEA

The Oklahoma Public Employees Association won a victory for public employees and the citizens of Oklahoma as the State Employee Health Insurance Review Working Group agreed to abide by the Open Meetings Act.

The decision came as a result of concerns raised by OPEA before and during a recent meeting of the working group in which OPEA alleged the group may have been violating the Open Meetings Act.

OPEA’s Deputy Director Scott Barger talked with legislative staff and legislators prior to the meeting regarding the Association’s concerns. 

“We wanted to be sure that everyone knew where OPEA stood on this issue. The Association believes that state employees have a right to be notified in advance of the discussions of this group and has the right to attend,” Barger said.  “Clearly this did not happen in this particular case.”

 The group consists of five members, two members of the Oklahoma House, two from the Senate and the Insurance Commissioner.  OPEA learned this week that Speaker Chris Benge appointed Representatives Lewis Moore and Jason Murphey, and Senate Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee appointed Senator Cliff Aldridge and Senator Bill Brown to the working group.  The group is assigned the responsibility of reviewing Oklahoma’s state employee health insurance system

 Barger told the group during his comments that the Association was very concerned with the lack of notice. 

“OPEA believes the working group is subject to the Open Meetings Act which exists to bring the government closer to the people and provide greater transparency”, he said.  Part of this Act is giving proper notice to the public so that state employees have the opportunity to be involved and know what specifically will be discussed.  The Association believes that the working group does not have a secret agenda but by failing to comply with the Open Meetings Act, it leaves the group open to criticism.” 

After OPEA’s comments, the group clarified its position on the issue as Senator Bill Brown assured the Association that future meetings would be conducted in compliance with the Act.

“We applaud the working group for taking a stand for inclusion, openness and transparency,” concluded Barger.  “State employees are very concerned with maintaining good health insurance, as well as the funding associated with the benefit allowance.  State employees and concerned members of the public have a right to know and this was supported by a majority of the group members.”