The Oklahoma Department of Human Services announced on Tuesday that it will not reduce or eliminate service programs for seniors and people with disabilities on December 1 and January 1 as previously planned. It's because Governor Mary Fallin approved $26.9 million in short-term funding when she kept intact parts of the revised budget bill on November 17th.
DHS will begin sending official notices this week to service recipients and providers in the Advantage Waiver program, Adult Day Services, Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) Adult In-Home Supports Waiver, and DDS Sheltered Workshop and Community Integrated Employment programs.
DHS Director Ed Lake says the agency is still $42 million short of a balanced budget. He says agency leaders will be working closely with the administration and legislative leaders in the upcoming weeks as they work to develop funding solutions for these services.