State workers rally for job security at state capitol

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Thousands of state workers rallied at the state Capitol Monday, asking lawmakers to protect services and their jobs from budget cuts. <br><br>The rally organized by the Oklahoma

Monday, February 17th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Thousands of state workers rallied at the state Capitol Monday, asking lawmakers to protect services and their jobs from budget cuts.

The rally organized by the Oklahoma Public Employees Association drew about 2,000 employees, less than a week after about 20,000 teachers rallied for education funding.

The rally included a symbolic funeral march and eulogy that organizers say demonstrates the death of state services.

OPEA executive director Gary Jones says necessary programs for children, senior citizens, veterans and the general public could be eliminated by budget cuts.

Oklahoma is facing a $678-million budget shortfall and cuts of 6.5% have already been imposed this fiscal year.