Oklahoman: State Agencies Give Raises Despite Hiring Freeze
Oklahoma state agencies give raises despite executive order
by Randy Ellis
Thousands of Oklahoma state employees were given raises last year, despite dire warnings of an approaching budget shortfall and a salary freeze ordered by the governor.
State agencies also promoted more than 1,000 employees and hired several thousand to fill vacancies, even though those types of employment actions were included in the freeze — with notable exceptions.
As it turns out, Gov. Mary Fallin’s “personnel freeze” wasn’t much of a freeze at all.
The governor gave each of her cabinet secretaries authority to grant exceptions to the freeze when justification could be shown.
Some granted hundreds of waivers — often citing increased duties and the need to be competitive with the private sector as reasons.