Groups representing teachers, firefighters and prison workers have formed a coalition to fight a plan by the Legislature to make changes to Oklahoma's public retirement systems.
Members of "Keep Oklahoma's Promises" met Wednesday at the Capitol following a joint meeting of a House and Senate committee that is looking to shift newly hired state workers from a traditional defined benefit pension plan to more of a 401(k)-style defined contribution plan.
Both proposals are expected to face stiff opposition from groups representing teachers and firefighters — a powerful lobbying force at the Capitol.
Oklahoma Public Employees Association Director Sterling Zearley says his group hasn't joined the coalition but is opposed to any pension changes that don't include pay raises for state workers.
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