Oklahoma correctional officers brought their demands for better pay to the state Capitol yesterday. They called on lawmakers to put politics aside and approve millions of dollars to help recruit and retain state prison officers.

On the opening day of the 2006 Legislature, more than 200 correctional officers rallied outside the Capitol and met with lawmakers inside.

They want lawmakers to appropriate almost 30 million dollars to raise the salaries of correctional officers and help state prisons finish out the fiscal year that ends June 30th.

Low pay and dangerous working conditions have led to hundreds of vacant correctional officer positions, forcing others to work long hours. Many experienced officers have quit for higher-paying jobs in the oil and gas industry.