The 2004 vote on this issue confirmed Oklahomans’ view that a marriage should be between a man and a woman, but as much as we struggle with the idea of a gay couple being married, we must come to the realization that gay marriage will be legal in all states, maybe quicker than we think. […]
employees
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Getting high(er)
A 2 percent raise was approved for Couch and most other city workers during the Dec. 31 council meeting. All new salaries took effect Jan. 1. Couch, Municipal Counselor Ken Jordan and City Auditor Jim Williamson were considered for raises separate from other city employees because they are hired directly by the council. As the […]
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Underpaid, now with proof!
A state-commissioned study conducted by consulting firms Kenning Consulting and Hay Group — which cost $200,000 and was overseen by a bevy of Oklahoma officials — has found that Oklahomans working for the state are underpaid compared to workers in other states and their peers working for private companies. Yes, it cost them $200,000 to […]
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It’s covered
Shar McLaughlin, owner of Irish Green Lawn Care, has seven employees. She offers coverage to five full-time workers and is eager to see how these options compare with those available via the federally run health insurance marketplace, which opened for enrollment this month. “I will be reading everything I can get my hands on, but […]
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Point: Time to fix workers’ comp
Our current system makes employers and employees adversaries while impairing the rehabilitation of injured workers, burdening families and placing a heavy drag on Oklahoma’s economy and productivity. Ours is a system where everyone loses: the employers, the taxpayers and, most importantly, the injured workers themelves. For example, our system devotes more resources to litigation and […]
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Counterpoint: Don’t punish workers
Bob Burke I’m not against change, but the reforms suggested by the state Senate in Senate Bill 1062 are a direct assault upon Oklahoma’s working men and women. The legislation seeks to lower the costs of workers’ compensation rates in the state by drastically cutting benefits to workers. There is no reduction in medical costs, […]