The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

Opinion

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
November 4, 2009

Funding for nutrition programs must be restored

The time for talk is over. It’s time for action.

Seniors citizens and supporters of senior nutrition programs were loud and clear with their message at a rally Wednesday at the state Capitol: Restore funding to those programs so seniors who need help with a meal each day can get what they need.

There is some indication Gov. Brad Henry, Department of Human Services Secretary Howard Hendricks and legislative leaders have heard the message.

Under one proposal, DHS would restore funding to the nutrition programs provided the agency receives a $7.4 million supplemental appropriation when the Legislature convenes in February, Corn said. That idea must be approved by Republican legislative leaders.

Sen. Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City, said if no agreement is reached, lawmakers may convene a special session to consider tapping into the constitutional Rainy Day Fund, which contains almost $600 million.

DHS cut $7.4 million from the nutrition programs after state officials trying to cope with declining revenues ordered 5 percent cuts in the budget allocations.

State Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, earlier called on Henry to dedicate 5 percent of his $105 million in discretionary federal economic stimulus money for the nutrition programs. Henry, though, said those funds already are committed to one-time projects.

As we said, it’s time for action. Now.

Not in February. Not during some as-yet unknown special session.

Because of the cuts, Wheatheart Nutrition Project, which operates in Enid and elsewhere in northwest Oklahoma, is furloughing staff members for 44 days and no longer will serve meals on Fridays or holidays. Similar stories are being played out with other programs throughout the state.

This is unacceptable. Funding for these programs needs to be restored now so seniors who depend on these meals can get them.

Text Only
Opinion
Featured Ads
AP Video
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9 Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House' Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo. Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
NDN Video
Brady-ing is Latest Internet Meme Has Iceland’s Nessie shown itself? Beyonce Is Sexy in Sequins Androgynous Model Walks Runway As Man and Woman Houston to host ASG Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9 Teach me how to "Beat LA" "Fat" Adele To Set Fire To Grammy Stage Zip-Lining Man Slams Into Tree The NY Giants Defend Gisele Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo. Model's Shocking 20-Inch Waist Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue Maria Menounos in Giants Bikini After Losing Bet TLC's 'Strangest Addictions Yet'? Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water Snooki Admits She's Bisexual No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner Katharine McPhee Strips Down Raw Video: 15 Lb. Baby Born in China
Seasonal Content
House Ads