By Associated Press
Tulsa, OK – State employees group wants Dec. special session
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The state's largest state workers organization says it agrees with Republican state Senate leaders who are calling for a special session of the Legislature in December.
The Oklahoma Public Employees Association said Monday declining revenues are forcing many state employees to face furloughs, reductions-in-force and voluntary buyouts and that immediate action is needed.
State revenues came in below expectations for the 10th straight month in October. State financial officials have already ordered 5 percent cuts in state agencies' budgets through the end of the fiscal year on June 30.
Those cuts followed a 7 percent cut at most agencies in May.
Gov. Brad Henry has proposed a special session in January, after the state Board of Equalization meets on Dec. 21 to release available preliminary revenue estimates.