OPEA

OPEA members took time from the business and fun of convention to honor legislators that helped the association at the Capitol during the 2011 legislative session. This year OPEA honored four Legislators of the Year, a special award for legislation benefiting state employees, and several honorable mention.

The first Legislator of the Year for 2011 was Senator Susan Paddack. She was elected in November 2004 as the Senator for District 13, which includes Pontotoc, Hughes, portions of Garvin and Coal Counties. A long-time advocate for state employees, Senator Paddack received the award for her tireless fight for the clients and staff at Southern Oklahoma Resource Center. Working across party lines, Sen. Paddack and Rep. Lisa Billy have joined forces to save this facility that many of the residents have called home most of their lives. In the 2010 legislative session, Sen. Paddack, Rep. Billy and Enid legislators fought an agency rule that would have diminished the rights of family members to determine the future of their children. This session, when the facility was threatened with closure, Senator Paddack and Rep. Billy worked with leadership on legislation that would allow the families and staff members a seat at the table in determining the future of this important institution.

“It is truly an honor to receive this award from OPEA,” said Senator Paddack, accepting the award. “I will continue in my efforts to support state employees and SORC because it is the right thing to do.”