The plank submission window will open on July 21st. Potential planks must be received by OPEA on August 13, 2023.
OPEA’s platform serves as the basis for association activities and advocacy during the upcoming legislative session. Platform planks come from members and are discussed, amended, and approved at the OPEA Annual Business Assembly on August 26th.
When a member has a good idea about legislation that would improve state employment or retirement or one that might be beneficial to implement at their agency, we encourage them to send the ideas to OPEA as a platform plank. We also encourage ideas to be submitted that would improve OPEA as an association. Every piece of legislation we bring to the state capitol comes from our members who submit platform planks. If you have an idea why not submit it, many parts of our benefits package originated as an OPEA platform plank such as Longevity pay, 75% Dependent Health Insurance Coverage, Extra Paid Holidays, Soonersave, and much more. I urge everyone to participate in the platform plank process. Get together with your coworkers and brainstorm ideas! The more people involved in this process the better legislation we can bring to the state capitol. Please take some time to consider what should state employees ask for in 2024?
“Platform planks are the great way for members to bring an idea to reality,” said OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley. “For example, state employees now have two days off at Christmas because a member thought it was worth OPEA pursuing. After it was approved as a plank, OPEA went to work with legislators and got it done. The process is part of OPEA’s grassroots efforts.”
If you have questions about the process, please call the OPEA offices at (405) 524-6764 or email your regional director.
