Workers union seeks more money for state juvenile agency

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state workers union called on state lawmakers Tuesday to approve an additional $29-million to raise salaries, increase staff and improve working conditions at the state's

Tuesday, March 21st 2006, 3:52 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state workers union called on state lawmakers Tuesday to approve an additional $29-million to raise salaries, increase staff and improve working conditions at the state's juvenile agency.

Executive director Gary Jones of the Oklahoma Public Employees Association says the Office of Juvenile Affairs has had $20-million in budget cuts in recent years and has a 23 percent yearly turnover rate.

Internal problems at the agency have made lawmakers wary about funneling more money into the agency to help troubled youth. The agency was criticized in state and federal audits.