House Approves Holiday Spirit Legislation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Under legislation approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the holidays would be a little jollier for state workers.
House Bill 3052, by state Rep. Dan Kirby, would add an extra day to the Christmas holiday for state workers.
“State workers haven’t received a pay raise in several years, and while we know they are overworked and underpaid, this revenue shortfall is of historical proportions,” Kirby, R-Tulsa, said. “Together with OPEA, we want to do something for our employees who have dedicated their careers to public service. This is a small way of saying ‘thank you’ for all you do, and that your work has not gone unnoticed, so ‘Happy Holidays’.”
Kirby said the state will see a benefit in the retention of quality employees.
“Not only does it give public employees a longer Christmas holiday, but it also helps the state make its positions more attractive, ensuring the hiring and retention of quality employees.
“In those cases where an employee would already be off on Christmas, we give them an additional day with their families,” Kirby said. “I think the legislation is pro-family and House staff have found no significant fiscal effect.”
House Bill 3052 passed the House unanimously and next heads to the Senate for consideration.