OPEA

OKLAHOMA CITY (December 17, 2009) – The Oklahoma Public Employees Association is responding to unprecedented budget cuts announced by state leaders this week, and expressing concern with the unbalanced approach in protecting common and higher education.

“OPEA recognizes these are extraordinary times with unprecedented challenges,” said OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley.  “We have tried to find ways to help without affecting vital state services.  State employees have offered ideas for cost savings through greater efficiency including not filling vacancies, furloughs, restricted travel, and the use of carryover funds to pay for current costs.” 

State employees have also offered technology efficiencies and varying operational days and hours to maximize productivity and ease the budget crisis.

“We appreciate the cooperation we have received from Speaker Chris Benge and Pro Tem Glenn Coffee so far in allowing the sub committees to meet to determine first-hand the impact these cuts are having on agencies and services,” Zearley said.  “OPEA will continue to work closely with state leaders in identifying efficiencies and cost savings as the shortfall persists.

“What concerns OPEA most is the appearance that some areas of government like common education, higher education and private contracts are being held to a different standard than vital government services,” Zearley continued.  “It would appear state agencies are bearing the brunt of the cuts.  It’s time for everyone to tighten their belts, and that includes education.”

OPEA points out that common and higher education consumes the majority of appropriations, yet are not experiencing layoffs, buyouts or service cuts.  Oklahoma is sixth in the nation in education as a percentage of state and local government expenditures. Oklahoma has 520 school districts for 649,498 students, while Texas has 1,033 for 4.65 million students. 

“Certainly, a system this vast can also identify efficiencies,” Zearley said. “While education is important, vital, life-saving services are being cut.  Programs that provide treatment to our children and help our seniors are being reduced or eliminated altogether. Mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities are being closed.  Other care facilities are being downsized.”

In the past 15 years, the higher education employee ranks have grown by 8,596, from 23,963 to 32,559.  State employee numbers have actually decreased by 30, from 37,637 to 37,637.

“Higher Education is allowed to pass additional costs on to students and parents trying to obtain a college education, in essence, raising their own taxes,” Zearley said.

Private sector contracts with the State of Oklahoma costs taxpayers about $1.4 billion dollars a year.  The majority of these contracts have not been renegotiated or reduced. 

“Every day state employees serve Oklahomans by keeping the food and water supply safe, providing road and highway maintenance, protecting children from abuse, and caring for veterans and disabled citizens,” concluded Zearley.  “These public servants will continue to do more with less to help our state through this crisis.  OPEA is asking that these life-saving services also be a priority.”