OPEA

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 19, 2010) – The Oklahoma Public Employees Association is commending state lawmakers for reaching a budget agreement just three weeks into the session.

The legislature announced Thursday that $223.5 million of the Rainy Day Fund will be used for this fiscal year, with another $223.5 million to be available for the next fiscal year which begins July 1. 

“This agreement should help relieve a bit of the financial stress our agencies have been feeling for months,” said OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley.  “Agency directors have been dealing with mandatory five and 10 percent cuts, with many of our employees facing furloughs and reductions in force.  Utilizing these funds is only a temporary fix, but we hope one that will keep state employees on the job.”

Oklahoma is facing a nearly $500 million dollar deficit this year, forcing agencies to scramble to keep core services running.  State Treasurer Scott Meacham said in a recent press conference revenue figures were up slightly for January, adding that “one month does not make a trend,” but he is optimistic the economy may be starting to rebound.

While the budget agreement means cuts will be reduced, state employees are still facing tough times.  Twelve agencies are continuing furloughs, slashing state employee pay which was already 15 percent below the market.  Agencies have been offering voluntary-outs and are not filling vacancies to prevent RIFing employees.  This puts additional stress on state employees left trying to serve the public.  Caseloads and applications for services at the Department of Human Services and Employment Securities Commission have escalated with the economic downturn. Mental health and substance abuse service beds have been cut, creating longer waiting lists for treatment. 

“At this time, we have had approximately 100 employees RIFed statewide and that is 100 too many,” said Zearley.  “Oklahoma needs to maintain its human resource infrastructure to help us recover from this difficult time and serve the public in the years to come.  We will continue to work with constituents and legislators to fight RIFs in Oklahoma communities.” 

OPEA has been working behind the scenes for months, trying to keep state employees on the job.

“This is an unprecedented time in our state’s history,” Zearley said.  “At one time state employees mostly went unscathed during an economic crisis.  But not anymore.  It doesn’t matter if you’re classified or un-classified, no one is immune from these cuts.  That’s why we commend our legislators for coming quickly to this agreement. Ultimately it’s the citizens of Oklahoma who will benefit, as agencies are able to keep core services intact.”

Oklahoma Public Employees Association (www.opea.org) is a non-profit labor organization that has represented the interests of state employees at the Capitol in Oklahoma since 1975.

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