SB 834 still waiting to be heard on Senate floor The Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 834. The senators will vote on the bill in the coming weeks.  The bill is this year's end-all deregulation bill. It threatens your local association's right to negotiate a contract and would eventually deregulate all Oklahoma Public Schools. In addition, you could lose the following rights:

Despite Sen. Ford's amendment which would require districts to maintain at least the Minimum Salary Schedule, require participation in OTRS (Retirement System), and continue current statutes regarding Health Insurance, you can still be dropped down to the minimum salary for your current step.

 Click here to tell your local senator that this bill is still bad for our public school students.

Some senators have already voted no on SB 834: Kenneth Corn, Mary Easley, Jay Paul Gumm, Richard Lerblance, Susan Paddack and John Sparks.

School Employee Protection pending action on House floor HB 1598 requires protection of school employees. Education employees have the right to feel safe and protected in their workplace like any other profession. The School Employee Protection bill would provide:

Your voice needs to be heard. We believe individuals are strengthened when they work together for the common good. By uniting with other OEA members, you can help continue OEA's long and proud tradition of advocating for education in Oklahoma. With nearly 40,000 members, our strength is in our numbers. We will meet at the State Capitol on the second floor rotunda in Oklahoma City at 9 a.m. for donuts, coffee and a briefing. After spending the morning talking with your local legislator, we will meet back at the second floor rotunda for lunch. Please invite your legislators to enjoy lunch with you. Be a part of our goal of getting teachers to the Capitol. Register here for Lobby Day.