State corrections workers start e-mail campaign for higher wages

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Some prison workers launch an e-mail campaign concerning delays in raises and understaffing problems in state prisons.<br/><br/>Negotiators for the state House and Senate have been

Friday, February 17th 2006, 6:10 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Some prison workers launch an e-mail campaign concerning delays in raises and understaffing problems in state prisons.

Negotiators for the state House and Senate have been unable to agree on emergency funding for state prisons.

The Department of Corrections says it will run out of money in March to pay for some private prison beds and needs money for pay raises to recruit and retain correctional officers.

The House and Senate have been fighting over additional funding for state prisons since last May.

Last week, the Senate passed a $24-million appropriation providing for $3,200 across-the-board raises for all DOC employees.

But state House leaders have refused to give the measure a hearing before the full House.