State workers voice budget concerns

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State employees want lawmakers to increase funding to state agencies to provide raises, reduce turnover and hire more staff members.<br/><br/>More than two dozen workers rallied at

Monday, March 21st 2005, 11:33 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State employees want lawmakers to increase funding to state agencies to provide raises, reduce turnover and hire more staff members.

More than two dozen workers rallied at the state Capitol Monday asking for up to $40-million more dollars for state agencies, including the Department of Corrections and the Department of Human Services.

Corrections officer Laura Dettle says more guards are needed at state prisons to reduce the danger. And DHS employee Rodney Hall says his agency hasn't been a priority.

Oklahoma Public Employees Association director Gary Jones says lawmakers haven't restored $160-million they cut from state agencies during a shortfall three years ago. He says spending on public schools, higher education and Medicaid has increased, but money for other services has decreased.