The Oklahoma Public Employees Association has received two letters of commendation from the Speaker of the House and the Senate President Pro Tempore. The letters stem from OPEA’s leadership in helping resolve a recent two-day budget dispute on HB 2435. The bill gives supplemental funding to the DOC and DPS to eliminate furloughs that would have taken effect later this fiscal year. If this bill would not have passed, DOC and DPS employees would have faced 10-13 furlough days from April through June.

“OPEA was involved in some rather lengthy discussions,” said Executive Director Sterling Zearley. “Ultimately we were successful in helping resolve the budget stalemate and keep our dedicated DOC and Public Safety employees on the job. Our legislators trust OPEA and listened to what we had to say, and we appreciate their swift action.”

Click the links to read the letters in their entirety.

BengethanksOPEA.pdf

GlennCoffeeThanksOPEA.pdf

OPEA’s 2010 Lobby Day started off with a bang as The Oklahoman chose to run a scathing editorial blasting the association, its executive director and state employees.

The newspaper has been embroiled in a heated battle with OPEA, demanding the birth dates of all state employees be made public. OPEA is determined to keep that information private

OKLAHOMA CITY – Under legislation approved by the Oklahoma House ofRepresentatives, the holidays would be a little jollier for stateworkers.

House Bill 3052, by state Rep. Dan Kirby, would add an extra day to the Christmas holiday for state workers.

The Oklahoman today escalated its war against state employees and their push to make your birth date a matter of public record.

"A Sterling Example of Leadership at the OPEA" is headlines in today's Oklahoman editorial page.  Make plans to rally for your rights today at 11:15 on the Capitol's south steps.

Fireworks are expected at the Capitol tomorrow morning as state employees come together for the annual “OPEA Lobby Day,” and to protest a leading state newspaper. Registration begins at 9 am in the second floor rotunda, with a rally at 11:15 on the south steps.

On Saturday, The Oklahoman launched a full-scale war against OPEA, its members and state employees by complaining to the state’s attorney general. The newspaper is pushing for the birth dates of state employees to be a matter of public record. The OPEA is adamant in keeping those records private to protect your safety. Now you are asked to join OPEA in rallying legislators, and to protest The Oklahoman.

OPEA members are urged to immediately contact the Office of Personnel Management and demand your private information be kept confidential. Members are also urged to phone the Executive Editor at The Oklahoman and let him know you are outraged at their attempt to publicize your date of birth or other private information.

Today OPEA learned of an Oklahoman request demanding state employees’ dates of birth. OPEA is working with legislators to keep your information private, and just recently the Senate voted 44-0 in favor of keeping your birth date sealed. In today’s world of identity theft and fraud,the OPEA believes this part of your information MUST remain private.

Members are asked to contact Oscar Jackson at the Office of Personnel Management, 405-521-2177 or oscar.jackson@opm.ok.gov and DEMAND your date of birth be kept confidential.

You are also asked to contact The Oklahoman’s Executive Editor Ed Kelley, 405-475-3311, ekelley@opubco.com and let him know you are outraged at this request.

The transcript of a letter The Oklahoman sent to OPM follows below, unedited, in its entirety:

Join Mark, Sterling and Dennis for an in-depth conversation about this year’s Lobby Day, and why it’s vital state employees “Show Up Strong”on Tuesday. Also hear an update on important OPEA bills making their way through the legislative process on today’s Break Room.  Click here to listen.

OPEA staffers have been canvassing Oklahoma, as well as the Capitol complex, talking to state employees about the need to “Show up Strong” for Lobby Day 2010.

“So far, state employees have been receptive,” said Membership Representative Haley Blood. “Many have valid concerns about the status of their employment, and say they willbe on hand next week to talk to their legislators.”

The OKDHS Commission met in Oklahoma City recently to discuss issues affecting the agency, including financial challenges due to Oklahoma’s current budget crisis. OPEA Membership Representative Haley Blood attended the meeting on behalf of the Association.