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Communications Division
For Immediate Release: February 13, 2003
Senate Subcommittee Holds
Public Hearing The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Services held a public hearing in the Senate Chamber to address concerns about possible budget cuts to programs providing in-home services for severely disabled Oklahomans. Several thousand disabled Oklahomans and their families depend on those services and are deeply concerned about what would happen if the programs were cut as a result of the state's budget shortfall. "This is a very real concern for Oklahomans who want their loved ones to be able to remain in their own homes. What we hope to do with this hearing is to look at those concerns and to try to find other ways to fund these programs so they can continue to live with dignity," explained Senator Robert M. Kerr, chairman of the subcommittee. Several parents, providers and advocates urged state officials to look elsewhere for programs to cut; suggestions ranged from caps on care to a possible rate cut, to a provider tax. Many testified a loss of these services would be "disastrous" for their loved ones. Karen Daughety of El Reno was among those parents who came to the hearing. She is worried about what would happen to her son and other severely developmentally disabled Oklahomans if they lose their in-home care. "Most of the people now are in safe, secure environments and to force them into multiple living arrangements just doesn't work," said Daughety. Some parents said they actually feared for their children's lives if their children were forced into different living arrangements because of program cuts. "The problem is real. We've got to look at every bit of money available to the state of Oklahoma and try to find ways to avert these cuts," said Senator Kerr, D-Altus. Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson told the packed chamber, "This is not about politics. This is about a group of Oklahomans who need our help. That's what we should do."
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