Restore T.R.U.S.T.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Several prominent labor organizations – including the Oklahoma City American Federation of Teachers (AFT) – today joined an unprecedented coalition of Oklahomans united in opposition to State Question 744.
Ed Allen, President of the Oklahoma City AFT said, “If passed, 744 will hurt all of education including our nationally recognized early education programs. The most alarming concern for our teachers is that 744 has zero guarantee any additional money will be spent in the classroom or for teacher pay. To not expressly protect and prioritize the two most vital components of education is simply the wrong way to advance funding,” said Allen.
Jimmy Curry, President of the AFL-CIO said, “State Question 744 is estimated to be a tax increase of about $1,200 for a family of four, which when combined with the anticipated cuts to state services, makes 744 a job killer for our members and the state of Oklahoma as a whole.”
Reno Hammond, with the Southwest Laborers' Union said, “Oklahoma needs to work together and not divisively. SQ 744 pits one area of state government against another to the detriment of the entire state.”
Jeff Wilson, campaign manager to the coalition said, “The announcement of the addition of these groups to the One Oklahoma Coalition brings an unprecedented level of unity among broad political interests that traditionally have had very differing philosophies.” Members to the One Oklahoma Coalition include:


· Oklahoma Farm Bureau

· The State Chamber of Oklahoma

· Oklahoma Public Employees Association

· Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce

· Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce

· Association of Oklahoma General Contractors

· T.R.U.S.T. (Transportation Revenues Used Strictly for Transportation)

· Southwest Laborers District Council

· Oklahoma Hospital Association

· Americans For Prosperity

· Oklahoma Business and Education Coalition

· Oklahomans For Responsible Government

· Oklahoma Bankers Association

· Oklahoma Highway Users Federation

· Oklahoma Association of Healthcare Providers

· American Farmers and Ranchers

· Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives Association

· Oklahoma Professional Economic Development Council

· Oklahoma Grain and Feed Association

· Oklahoma Agribusiness Retailers Association

· American Council of Engineering Companies of Oklahoma

· Oklahoma Professional Economic Development Council

· Oklahoma Pork Council

· Oklahoma Wheat Growers Association

· Oklahoma Asphalt Paving Association

· Oklahoma Municipal Contractors Association

· Restoring Oklahoma Public Education

· Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma

· Oklahoma Hospital Association

· Farm Credit of Oklahoma

· Oklahoma Trucking Association

· Oklahoma Agricultural Cooperative Council, Inc.

· American Federation of Government Employees, Local 916

· The Northwest Chamber of Commerce

· Oklahoma Agriculture Aviation Association

· The Enid Chamber of Commerce

· Oklahoma State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police

· Oklahoma Association of Healthcare Providers

· Oklahoma Cattleman's Association

· Oklahoma Aggregates Association

· Oklahoma AFL-CIO

· Oklahoma City American Federation of Teachers, Local 2309

-30-