Ardmore DHS Members

Ardmore DHS members plan for the future

The employees at the DHS office in Ardmore met with OPEA today for a pizza lunch to discuss the upcoming legislative session. The room quickly filled as OPEA’s Dean Balmer began speaking about the history of the association and the need for employees to step up and unite as one.

OPEA leader Regina E.Benson, told employees that the strength is in numbers.

“My feelings are show up or shut up. At the town hall meeting the previous week, Senator Crutchfield said with little new money, a pay raise for state employees doesn’t look too good.”

Balmer explained that in every legislative session, they always say there is little money or the money that is available is already allotted.

“The amount of the state pay raise will be determined on the amount of participation the state employees put forth to get it,” said Balmer.  “I encourage all of you to get your co-workers on board with the association.”

“I think its time for all of the DHS workers to realize, we are the largest agency within state government and we need to get everyone on board with our association. We are only as strong as we make it, says Regina, we need to pull our people together.”

New members who got on board at the meeting are, Jennifer Shepherd, Julie Williamson, Janice Booker and Shannon Patterson. Thank you all for becoming a part of the fix!