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November 4, 2009

NEW: Lawmakers: Agreement pending on nutrition funding

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Hundreds of seniors are at the state Capitol to express their frustration over cuts to nutrition programs for the elderly.

Democratic lawmakers, though, told seniors Wednesday Gov. Brad Henry and Department of Human Services Secretary Howard Hendricks have agreed on a way to restore money for the programs. But the deal must be approved by Republican legislative leaders.

DHS has cut $7.4 million from senior nutrition programs to offset declining state revenues. The reduction means fewer congregate meals and home-delivered meals.

State agencies have had to cut 5 percent from their budgets each of the last three months as a result of lower revenues. Last week, state officials announced that the cuts would continue through the end of the fiscal year June 30.

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