OKLAHOMA CITY (July 14, 2009) – The Oklahoma Public Employees Association is responding to the latest revenue figures and statements from State Treasure Scott Meacham who is saying a shortfall is probable during the new fiscal year.
“We have known for some time the budget situation is at a crisis level,” said OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley. “Today’s announcement from the state treasurer reinforces the stance OPEA has taken the past few months.
“In light of the budget crisis, OPEA continues to ask agencies to curb all unnecessary spending, including travel, cutting state contracts and making sure services to all Oklahomans remain in tact.
“We want to re-iterate that RIFS (reductions-in-force) and furloughs are not an option,” Zearley said. “Too often, state employees have born the brunt of economic turndowns. State employees are facing financial difficulties just like everyone else. They are already some of the lowest-paid workers around.
“OPEA expects contracts with private prisons and other service providers be cut before state employees are RIF’d or furloughed. Many of these corporations are making a profit from state contracts. Their profit should be cut before our livelihood,” Zearley said.
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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Posted on
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
by Mark Beutler