NORMAN — A coalition that opposes State Question 744 brought its campaign to Norman on Thursday. One Oklahoma Coalition outlined its reasons for opposition during a press conference at the Norman Veterans Center.
“The sole purpose is to defeat State Question 744,” Jeff Wilson, One Oklahoma Coalition campaign manager, said.
Oklahoma voters will decide on the issue in the Nov. 2 general election. The Oklahoma Education Association stated the issue would provide funding for public schools.
According to One Oklahoma Coalition, if voters pass State Question 744, between 5,000 and 7,000 state employees would lose their jobs. About 20 percent to 25 percent of state services, including veteran care, would be cut.
“We think it is devastating to the state of Oklahoma,” Wilson said. “We’re looking at cuts of more than $1 billion if State Question 744 were passed.”
Wilson said the matter is a bad practice of public policy.
“We understand education is a priority,” he said.
He said the measure would be devastating to other parts of state government.
“We need to understand just because it is for the kids it doesn’t have an impact somewhere else,” he said.
Sterling Zearly, executive director of the Oklahoma Public Employees Association, said if the state question become law, people could lose their jobs and prisons may close.
“It is going to have a huge impact on state services,” Zearly said.
Veterans also may suffer. He said seven veteran centers operate in the state.
“The Norman Veterans Center serves 190 veterans at any given time,” Zearly said.
He said the facility employs about 360 people.
Michele Sexton, administrative programs officer with the Oklahoma Veterans Affairs Department, spoke on behalf of OPEA Thursday. She said State Question 744 would reduce the government’s ability to care for veterans.
“We promised we would take care of them,” Sexton said.
She said families depend on facilities like the Norman Veterans Center to care for veterans.
“Education is important, but don’t forget the veterans,” she said.
One Oklahoma Coalition formed in March. Wilson said Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, State Chamber of Commerce, Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce and Oklahoma Wheat Growers Association are just a few state organizations against State Question 744.
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com
