State of Oklahoma
House of Representatives
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2012
Democratic Leader Scott M. Inman
State Capitol Building Rm. 548
Oklahoma City,Oklahoma 73105
Contact: Eric Russell
405-962-7819
Inman Commends Barresi for Refusal of Pay Raise
Calls on other officials to follow suit
OKLAHOMA CITY- House Democratic Leader Scott Inman, D-Del City, acknowledged Superintendent Janet Barresi’s refusal to take a pay increase, and her support of measures to oppose pay increases for top officials.
“I want to commend Superintendent Barresi on her announcement today to do the right thing by refusing to take an automatic pay raise,” Leader Inman said, “and I encourage other state officials who stand to receive a pay increase to do likewise.”
After learning that statewide elected officials were slated to receive over $350,000 in pay increases, Leader Inman last week called on elected officials, such as Supt. Barresi, to reject the increases.
“Too many Oklahoma families, including those of state employees, are suffering as a result of budget cuts and tough economic times. It would be inappropriate for top officials who already make well over $100,000 per year to take a pay increase under these circumstances. I am glad that Superintendent Barresi is in agreement on this matter,” Leader Inman said.
Inman now calls on the statewide delegation, including Gov. Mary Fallin, Lt. Gov.Todd Lamb, Insurance Commissioner John Doak, and Labor Commissioner Mark Costello to join with Barresi in rejecting the pay raises. “It’s simply the right thing to do,” Inman said.
-30-