The state’s oldest and largest organization for state employees says it agrees with senate republicans who are calling for a special session.
The Oklahoma Public Employees Association represents a majority of state employees, many of whom are facing furloughs, reductions-in-force and voluntary buyouts.
“Our state services are crumbling,” said Sterling Zearley, OPEA’s Executive Director. “Jobs are in jeopardy and each month agencies are being asked to cut more from their already-lean budgets.
“OPEA agrees that now is the time for action, and we join with Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee in asking the Governor for a December special session,” Zearley said.
Oklahoma’s unprecedented budget shortfall is already resulting in RIFs at the state Department of Human Services, as well as the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Other similar cuts are happening at the Department of Corrections, the Office of Juvenile Affairs, the Corporation Commission, Pardon and Parole, Historical Society, and the Office of Disability Concerns.
“Not only are our dedicated state employees being forced onto the unemployment line, those workers who remain on the job are forced to pick up the slack and keep the state running. Already, nutrition programs for the elderly have been slashed. There are not enough DHS case workers to protect our state’s children. It’s just a matter of time before all Oklahomans begin to see the effects.
“Will there be enough inspectors to make sure your favorite restaurant is clean and sanitary? How will you drive on the snow and ice this winter if there aren’t enough workers to keep the roads clear? Now is the time for the Governor to address these concerns. If it means a Christmas special session, then that’s what we need to do,” Zearley said.
Posted on
Mon, November 30, 2009
by Mark Beutler