Interim Studies Approved by House Leadership

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The Oklahoma House of Representatives announced recently its approval of 68 interim studies to be conducted over the summer and fall. According to OPEA sources, many of the issues deal with important concepts for state employees.

 

“The studies cover a wide range of issues including the privatization of foster care, state agency consolidation and the future of the Southern Oklahoma Resource Center,” said OPEA deputy Director Scott Barger. “OPEA’s summer just got a little busier with the addition of the interim studies and the normal election cycle but as you know, OPEA will be your eyes and ears inside these committee meetings.”

 

According to Barger the interim studies give lawmakers an opportunity to explore potential future legislative proposals before legislation is filed.

 

“It is important for OPEA to be present to speak on behalf of state employees but we also invite any member to join us for the meetings as we continue to educate our membership.”

 

Some of the studies OPEA will be monitoring include:

  • Privatization of Child Welfare and Foster care
  • Department of Human Services
  • DHS Child Abuse and Neglect Review System
  • Southern Oklahoma Resource Center
  • Youth Services
  • Expanding Education for Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
  • Overview of Modernization Reforms
  • Use of Technology to Streamline Government Functions
  • Administrative Rules
  • State Agency Consolidation

 

For a complete list of interim studies, click here.


8 comments (Add your own)

1. dj wrote:
how are they paying for this?

Tue, June 29, 2010 @ 11:49 AM

2. DMG wrote:
With the money we should be getting in raises probably

Tue, June 29, 2010 @ 2:08 PM

3. Jim wrote:
How many damn studies do they need to do to show them the obvious? About 5 years ago a study was made that found that State employees were being paid 10% to 15% less than our counterparts in the private sector. I guess this will continue to be the trend...tell us how much we are being screwed. And do nothing to help us but, do another study in 4-5 years.
DMG you hit the nail right on the head these studies are a waist of money that could have been used to save some jobs or maybe give us a raise...I truly hate our State Government with a passion!

Tue, June 29, 2010 @ 4:17 PM

4. dj wrote:
in any future election i do not plan to vote for anyone who is in or has been in any office. i'm voting only for people who have never been in government and that goes for president right down to dog catcher. And yes in the little town i live in even the dog catcher is elected.

Wed, June 30, 2010 @ 7:55 AM

5. Dave wrote:
The studies are to see how they can cut government further. There will be additional attempts to consolidate agencies and shut others down. They have shown their hand!

Wed, June 30, 2010 @ 8:30 AM

6. Jim wrote:
Dave,

I agree, they have shown their hand but, will anyone bother to look at it? If state employee’s don’t start standing up for themselves there will be a much larger RIF.
As long as the majority of state employees continue to be apathetic more jobs are going to be eliminated. It befuddles me why state employees are just sitting on their butt looking at each other, waiting to be sent home. I guess more employees should have shown up for Lobby Day…giving up one hour for the rally or giving up your job you do the math. Most people would say this is a no brainier…but, not to state employees we just lie down and let our Legislators screw us.

You get back what you put in and with state employees that equals nothing!

Wed, June 30, 2010 @ 11:42 AM

7. Catherine wrote:
Dave, that is not true. Many state employees pay OPEA dues & they depend on OPEA to look out for them. Many employees have really high work loads & they are threatened with write ups and negative OPM 111s if they don't get it done & they are scared not to do this. Everyone is not just lazy & stupid!

Tue, July 13, 2010 @ 7:11 AM

8. Dave wrote:
Catherine, I think your comments should be directed at Jim.

Tue, July 13, 2010 @ 10:53 AM

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