State workers renew pay raise demands

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State employees are again calling for a pay raise and Monday gave to lawmakers copies of a petition signed by 9,000 workers.<br/><br/>The Oklahoma Public Employees Association says

Monday, April 10th 2006, 1:17 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State employees are again calling for a pay raise and Monday gave to lawmakers copies of a petition signed by 9,000 workers.

The Oklahoma Public Employees Association says pay raises for state employees should take priority over a proposed income tax cut supported by House Speaker Todd Hiett. The OPEA wants legislators to approve an 8 percent pay raise for state employees that would increase their salaries by about $2,400 per year.

Hiett wasn't immediately available for comment.

OPEA President Ty Todd says Oklahoma's state workers have gotten just one pay raise since 2000 and their purchasing power has fallen by nearly 8 percent in the past six years.

Governor Brad Henry's proposed budget calls for a 3 percent pay increase for state workers. The state Senate is recommending an increase of between 5 and 6 percent.