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.
