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Legislator Speaks Up for State Employees

State Representative Earl Sears

 

One state lawmaker from Northeast Oklahoma, frustrated with the lack of attention to state employee pay, took time during recent debate over funding the Oklahoma Television Authority to make his voice heard.

 

State Representative Earl Sears, R-Bartlesville, expressed his continuing frustration with the lack of attention state employees receive.  “We know that this is a tough year on the budget,” said Sears.  “But I continue to be frustrated that public employees have not had a pay raise since October 2006, and its looks like they wont receive one this year.  These are dedicated public servants who are truly deserving.”

 

 

“OPEA is very appreciative of Representative Sears efforts,” said Zearley.  “He has consistently been an advocate for state employees, working with the Association to further state employees goals.  State employees in his district should know that they have a great advocate working on their behalf.”

Posted on Thu, May 21, 2009 by Mark Beutler

3 comments (Add your own)

1. jack wrote:
thank you representative earl sears for speaking up. It seems like the legislature has forgotten about state employess again. They can use the rainy day funds and give one time bonus to every one. The rainy day is capped out so why not use some of it to help the state employees.

Thu, May 21, 2009 @ 3:21 PM

2. Sheryl Parker wrote:
Rep Sears--thank you for your continued support of state employees. Seems that you are the only one who truly cares. Why cant you tap into the rainy day fund for a 1 time bonus? Gov Henry doesn't want to BUT something needs to happen so the state employees will feel alittle bit appreciated. No raise for 3 -4 yrs, no increase in longivity--how much more does the legistation think we can take. Highway patrol was going to furlow officers, BUT someone found funds somewhere. GO FIGURE!

Anyway-please keep fighting for us aqnd know we REALLY do appreciate it.

Sat, May 23, 2009 @ 11:23 AM

3. Lee wrote:
Thank you Representative Sears for speaking out regarding the lack of attention that we state employess receive monetarily. Until other politicians like Representative Sears join him on the legislative floor and acknowledge this as a legitimate problem, I doubt that much is going to be done. The old broken record line, "It's a tough year on the budget" is the first indication that there will be NO raises for you state employees this year. As for politicians, I am of the philosophy that if you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem and I intend to vote accordingly! I am not asking for the $100,000 per year job with an expense account, jet setting perks, etc. I am only asking that our monetary compensation be increased equivalent to same jobs in the private sector. Studies show that Oklahoma is 14% - 16% below that now and continuing to erode. If there were annual C.O.L.A.'s and a plan to help us make up even 1/2 of this 14% - 16% pay differential, I would be content. The rainy day day fund is capped out and Oklahoma legislators are some of the highest paid in the country while state employee pay is some of the lowest in the nation. MMMM! Every year is a tough year on the budget around my household. Again, Thank you Representative Sears for your efforts and recruit some of your colleagues to see things your way while they are still around.

Fri, May 29, 2009 @ 2:37 PM

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