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OPEA To Make Presentation to House Republican Caucus

 

History will be made on Monday, February 25 as OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley and Deputy Director Scott Barger will take state employee issues to the House Republican Caucus.

 

“I cannot stress what a massive inroad this is for the OPEA cause,” said Zearley.  “Not only has OPEA never had the opportunity to speak in front of this group, the caucus rarely allows advocacy groups of any kind to make presentations.”

 

OPEA believes that credit should go to newly elected Speaker Chris Benge and his leadership team.

 

“Speaker Benge and his team are showing an interest in state employee concerns,” Zearley said.  “This signals, what we hope will be a new level of cooperation, on issues for which we can find common ground such as pay, retirement, modernization and efficiency in government.  This is a great opportunity to have all the House Republicans hear about state employee issues and give them a chance to ask question.  It will certainly lead to a better understanding of the needs.”

 

Zearley and Barger’s presentation will include elements of the OPEA platform.

 

“It’s very early in the session, but this invitation signals what could be a very productive relationship with the controlling party in the House,” Zearley said.  “The fact that we have been invited to give this presentation signals a great level of respect for state employees.”

 

Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008 by Bud Elder filed under

21 comments (Add your own)

1. Andy wrote:
I'm a democrat but I sure like Chris Benge.

February 21, 2008 @ 6:08 PM

2. mary wrote:
They can talk all they want to. But until I see it on my paycheck talk is cheap. And no ins raise and not food going up or gas going up. Too late on the gas going up it is already over 3.00 in Lexington. So lets see some action on thee paychecks.

February 22, 2008 @ 8:29 AM

3. Dorathy wrote:
State Employees have heard it before "Talk is Cheap" lets see it in our Pay Checks and I'll be the first give a great big "Thank You" but until then talk is cheap. I don't trust none of the legislators over there to vote for us, they haven't done it before so what will make them help us now.

I think with the Federal Government involvement in the law suit of the State (DHS) issues. Will open some eyes and maybe everyone in the United States will find out how bad the State Employees has it here in Oklahoma especially in our Very Low Pay. You will not get anyone else to come in with a college education or even 1 year of it because our Pay is so BAD.

All I can say lets see some ACTIONS!!!

February 22, 2008 @ 10:15 AM

4. David Anthony wrote:
I've been working for the State for 23 years and I remember OPEA was trying to get us up there with the other states in our region in pay. I remember we might have moved up some to 46th in our pay compared to the other states from being 49th (I believe). Now since we haven't gotten a big raise in a long time or even a raise each year. We should have dropped and probably 50th now, dead last in pay according to the other states who work for there States.

I hope OPEA let them know how mad us State Workers are getting and this is not sending a good signal to people outside of Oklahoma how bad the State Employees are being ignored for there benefits and pay issues.

I hope OPEA let them know how bad we are struggling with our families to live!! I'm having a hard time to just by food to feed my kids, I usually only eat once a day because I can't afford to eat I would rather see my kids eat and my wife is the same way. We are getting sick from our house being to cold because I'm having a hard time paying my bills. Which I'm behind on paying! I'm having a hard time affording the gas to put in my car to go to work, I already ran out of gas in the cold once.

We need HELP to Survive!!! I may end up being like everyone else and give up my 23 years of service to the Oklahoma people and go work somewhere else like the other people in my department because we cannot wait any longer with these "TALKS"! I believe now it must make people fill good to just talk about it but nothing is never done about it. They always say "There is NO MONEY in the Budget this Year" but I always see other people like the teachers get pay raises every year! What's up with that!

February 22, 2008 @ 10:51 AM

5. Answers wrote:
It's all about VOTING. If you are not register to vote our represtatives can find out what percentage of state employees are registered and if it is a low percentage they will not pay attention to us because we can do them no harm.
They will listen to our stories and show sympathy for us, but they will listen to the block of voters that can vote them out. So far that has been the teachers union.
So, go register to vote it will not hurt you.

February 22, 2008 @ 11:46 AM

6. Shelly wrote:
How many of you have taken action to enforce that we get a raise this year? Do not just contact your state representatives- but all of them. While you do not have the power to elect representatives in other districts- they are still representing you in this session and need to hear from you. I want to receive a minimum $2700 across the board raise in July of 2008. I want them to implement annual cost of living increases (not raises) beginning in January 2009 of a minimum of 5% and I want them to leave my benefit allowance alone. If we all flood their offices with phone calls, e-mails and letters- they will get the point that we are not going to tolerate being over-looked again. Do not give them the opportunity to forget about us.

February 22, 2008 @ 11:51 AM

7. Chandler wrote:
I have contacted everyone at the State Capitol with my own letter so that they will know how hard I'm struggling to support my family.

I went through A thru Z of all of the State Senators and State Representatives and even some Federal but I just wanted them know how we haven't had a raise in a long time and about our benefits but I know they can't do anything since they are Federal. I even contacted all of the News stations and Radio stations. I even let them know about our March 11th rally at the State Capitol.

Everyone just keep contacting them because we cannot let them think we are just going to let them walk all over us. Let them know we are tired and disgusted of not getting any kind of a pay raise and that we need a cost of living raise each year and to not touch our benefits.

February 22, 2008 @ 12:51 PM

8. Luther B. wrote:
This is what has been done for the Active State Employee from OPEA since 1975.

*(1982) Longevity Pay was established and the State started paying for Dental Insurance for employees.

*(1985) The State began paying for disability insurance for employees.

*(1989) A family leave policy was implemented for State Employees before a similar federal bill was passed and the SoonerSave was established.

*(1996) Annual Leave was increased for employees with 10 years or more of service and a severance package was established for RIFed State Employees.

*(1997) The SoonerSave match was established $25.00 and the Mileage reimbursement was raised to the IRS rate.

*(1999) The 50% dependent insurance subsidy was established and the process was established to allow State Employees to compete for their jobs when privatization is proposed.

*(2000) The dependent insurance subsidy was increased from 50% to 75%.

*(2001) The benefit allowance was changed to guarantee that the subsidy would increase as the cost of insurance increases. Annual leave was increased to 15 days for employees with up to 5 years of service and to 18 days for employees with 5 to 10 years of service.

*(2002) The privatization process was strenthened to ensure employee rights.

*(2003) Employee rights we strengthened in discipline and hiring.

*(2005) Employees were given the right to appeal evaluations to the Merit Protection Commission.
The Office of Personnel Management began overseeing the process of unclassifying positions.

*(2007)Minimum pay for state employees was established at the federal poverty rate for a family of 3. Reimbursement for education loans was established for State Employees.


I wish the 90 go back to 80 for retirement and maybe improve our amount of annual and sick leave we get each month. I wish they would improve the SoonerSave from $25 to $50 that the State puts in. Also, Increase the Longevity Pay that was established in 1982. I've been with the State for nearly 30 years and I remember when OPEA used to throw in so many incentatives to give to the State Employees including a pay raise that the legislators had to give us something.

I haven't seen something that actually helped me in any kind of benefit in a long time and also not getting any kind of a pay raise. We are not getting any kind of improvement in our Benefits or Pay.

February 22, 2008 @ 2:09 PM

9. jo wrote:
Well after researching some upcoming bills, Do you know, not only do the teachers want a pay raise, the teachers that are retired are asking for a 4% pay raise in retirement in HB 2510.
So, State employees while your saying NO to HB 3108, 3312, 1414 add on there 2510.
Oh and by they way, I also found that our legislators get paid around $38,400 per year for 4 months of service.That comes to 149 legislators at 38,400 = $5,721,600 that WE PAY THEM. This is in addition to their regular income, whatever that may be. This doesn't include what the lobbyist give them like $500 worth of OU or OSU season tickets. Or that our tax dollars pay for the gas that goes in the state cars they drive.
I could go on and on but why, you get the picture.
GAS HAS DOUBLED, GROCERIES ARE UP, WE HAVE ALL EXCEEDED OUR BUDGETS AND WE AS STATE EMPLOYEES DESERVE A RAISE AND STOP MESSING WITH OUR BENEFITS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

February 22, 2008 @ 2:25 PM

10. Chuck wrote:
#8, Luther, I thank you for reminding us all what state employees have accomplished through OPEA. I have been a member for many years and sometimes you forget things. It seemed like back when we were getting some things done there were more state employees who cared. I can't get anyone in my office to lift a finger even though this bill would take money out of their pocket and mine. Talk about lazy state employees!!

February 22, 2008 @ 6:33 PM

11. wrote:
I think the time has come or all state workers to show up at the Capital on the 3/11/2008 and make our voices heard. The teachers have had thelegislature by the balls ever since they walked out of the class room and left the children to lobby for HB 1017, now is the time for the state workers to do the same.

The State workrs have made in roads over the years, but while state workers are having to Eat Canned Dog Food, the Teachers and Higher Ed workers are eating Prime Rib AND LAUGHING AT THE STATE WORKERS! Enough is Enough and we must make the legislature hear us and feel our pains!!

February 24, 2008 @ 8:30 AM

12. EL wrote:
What kind of leave can you take to go to the Capitol on March 11? Can you take administrative leave?

February 24, 2008 @ 6:18 PM

13. RALPH wrote:
THE PROBLEM WITH MOST STATE EMPLOYEES IS THAT (WE) ARE TIRED OF FIGHTING FOR FAIRNESS, EQUALTY, AND RESPECT. ALL WE HAVE EVER ASKED FOR IS TO BE APPRECIATED AND PROPERLY COMPENSATED FOR THE FRUITS OF OUR LABORS, THATS IT, PERIOD. WE DIDN'T WRITE THE LAW THAT MADE THE BENEFIT ALLOWENCE HIGHER, WE DIDN'T CHOOSE THE INSURANCE PROVIDERS THAT ARE OFFERED TO US EACH YEAR, BUT WE DID VOTE THESE OVER PRIVLEDGED YAHOOS INTO OFFICE THAT ARE SO FAR OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE COMMON MAN THAT ALL THEY SEE US AS ARE PIECES ON SOME LEGISLATIVE CHESS BOARD PLACED THERE FOR ENTERTAINMENT. WE ARE "THE PEOPLE", WE HAVE FAMILIES, WIVES, CHILDREN, GRAND CHILDREN AND PARENTS. WE PLAN, WE WORRY AND WE HOPE AND THEN WE SUFFER. MY GENERATION IS TIRED AND TO OLD TO FIGHT AS HARD AS IS NEEDED, WE NEED A HERO, SEVERAL HEROS TO FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS AND OUR FUTURE.

February 24, 2008 @ 10:42 PM

14. Johnny wrote:
Semper Fi, Ralph. We need OPEA to fight Fire with Fire. Play by the Politicians Rules and stop being so damn nice all the time. Lets rent some billboards and take out some news paper ads telling every body what these a-holes are really up to.

February 24, 2008 @ 10:47 PM

15. wrote:
If they go against the state workers and want to steal our money and benefits, vote them out. This is not about Democrat or Republican, this is about doing what is right. Do not take from working people or their families or it will get you bad publicity and voted out of office. Oklahoma public employees and family are a very large voting block in Oklahoma.

February 25, 2008 @ 12:33 AM

16. larry wrote:
It is a good first gesture, but taxes have been cut to the bone so there are no money left to give state employees a raise this year. If youget anything it will be late this year or early next year before we see anything. If I would not have 12 years in the system I would surely LEAVE state employment. Aot of work TO UCH GoodOLE BOY and no pay!!!!!

February 25, 2008 @ 9:13 PM

17. JACK wrote:
Folks it's just plain simple. The oklahoma legislature and governor do not give a crap about us.They do not care if we can pay our bills or not. They will not vote forstate employees to get a pay raise because it is not popular. It is popular to cut taxes and that is what theu have done the last couple of years. If they were smart they would have not cut the taxes and used that money for employee benefits, pay raises and shore up state agenfcies. Well the expected new revenue is falling,anyone surprised. And the really sad thing is that you have to have 75 % of the senate and house to vote to approve a tax increase. Do you think that is honestly going to happen. Yet this these same legislature have not paid thir income taxes or property taxes. Folks we need to demand a mandatory cost of living raise each year equal to or more than the inflation rate and do so with out cutting employee benefits.Talk is cheap and i for one plan on campaigning against any legislature current or future that does not help state employees. The teachers are greedy and the more we give them the more they want, same thing with schools. education allready takes abig part of the overall state budget. We gave them the lottery and now they want it and more. Let's take away benefits, housing and per diem the legislature gets and cut their take home pay and see how they like it. democrat or republican if they do not help state employees get rid of them.

February 26, 2008 @ 10:35 PM

18. FattCatt wrote:
#12 EL

You will have use and get approved annual to take the day off however the rally is 11:00am to 12:30. That is when the media will be there and the most important part of lobby day in my opinion. If, you can show up for that then you would only have to use maybe an hour of annual.
No matter what be there for that and bring your children and your wife so we can put a face on the families that are our legislators are neglecting

February 26, 2008 @ 11:02 PM

19. FattCatt wrote:
Sorry EL I should not have assumed. I should have said "bring your husband/wife".

>*x*<

February 26, 2008 @ 11:05 PM

20. Calling Out all State Employees wrote:
EVERYONE AIM TO BE AT THE MARCH 11 LOBBY RALLY BETWEEN 11:00 TO 12:30 THAT IS WHEN THE MEDIA WILL BE THERE. YOU WANT THE STATE EMPLOYEES TO GIVE A STRONG SUPPORT FOR OUR CAUSE TO LET THE LEGISLATURES AND THE GOVERNOR AND THE PEOPLE AT HOME WE ARE TIRED OF NOT GETTING WHAT WE DESERVE AND THAT IS A PAY RAISE AND TO NOT TOUCH OUR BENEFITS.

I LIKE THE IDEA SOMEONE GAVE WE SHOULD POST ON BULLETINS BOARDS HOW WE ARE BEING IGNORED HOW BAD OUR PAY IS TO THE PRIVATE INDUSTRY THAT I BELIEVE WE ARE NOW LAST IN THE UNITED STATES IN STATE WORKERS PAY. LET THEM KNOW THAT SOON THERE WON'T BE ANY STATE WORKERS TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF OKLAHOMA BECAUSE WE WILL BE GONE TO THE PRIVATE INDUSTRY WITH OUR EXPERIENCE ON THE JOB.

IF ANYTHING IMPROVE OUR BENEFITS THAT HASN'T BEEN DONE IN A WHILE.

*RETURN OUR 90 BACK TO 80 THAT IT USED TO BE.
*INCREASE THE STATE CONTRIBUTION OF $25 TO OUR SOONER SAVE. MOST PRIVATE INDUSTRY HAS THE 401K WHICH MATCH WHAT YOU PUT IN BUT THE STATE ONLY PUTS IN $25.
*INCREASE OUR LONGEVITY THAT HASN'T BEEN IMPROVED SINCE IT STARTED.
*GIVE US AN EXTRA 1 OR 2 HRS A MONTH TOWARD OUR SICK OR ANNUAL.
*TRY TO LOWER OUR HEALTH INSURANCE COST WHICH IS OUTRAGESLY HIGH COMPARED TO THE PRIVATE INDUSTRY.
*IMPROVE OUR RETIREMENT SO THAT PEOPLE CAN AFFORD TO RETIRE SOONER BEFORE WE ARE DEAD.

February 27, 2008 @ 10:06 AM

21. EL wrote:
I was wondering if this would qualify for Administrative Leave.

February 29, 2008 @ 11:50 AM

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