OKDHS Commission Approves Additional Funds for FY 2012

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The Commission for Human Services met for its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, in Oklahoma City. 

For the seventh consecutive month, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as “Food Stamps,”) numbers set an all-time high.  More than 625,000 Oklahomans received the benefits in September—more than 30 percent of all children in the state.   

“The numbers show that this economy is still very hard on many working families,” said Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Director Howard Hendrick.

The Commission voted to restore funding to two low-income programs which had been identified for cuts at the end of the last fiscal year (June 30).  Hendrick said about $10 million in one-time funding was identified within the OKDHS current year budget which will avoid proposed hikes in child-care subsidy co-pays, and the lowering of monthly assistance payments to families who have children with developmental disabilities.  

The commission had voted in June to cut several programs and services to balance the agency’s budget due to reduced legislative appropriations.  Family Support Assistance payments made to families raising children with developmental disabilities were to be reduced by about $25 a month and family co-pays for those receiving child care subsidies were to be increased. 

Hendrick said the one-time funding identified to avoid the program cuts were from other programs areas that were not being utilized at the levels estimated at the beginning of the fiscal year. However, Hendrick cautioned the Commission that without additional funding next year, the cuts may still be necessary in Fiscal Year 2013.

Other budget adjustments recommended were to restore some of the funding to the agencies field operations and approved adding an additional $1 million to legal fees as a precaution for a pending class action lawsuit set to go to trial in February. 

The recommended budget adjustments are:
• Restore $6.834,569 to child care subsidy to avoid the co-pay reductions previously approved.
• Restore the $595,000 in Family Support payment reductions to families with children and developmental disabilities.
• Restore $2,090,458 of the reductions planned for field operations ($2,226,077 state dollars have already been cut).
• Add an additional $1 million to legal fees as a precaution.

Commissioner Mike Peck and Support Services Division Director Adele Jack presented the Commission with information on a proposed $10 million bond issue.  Commissioners approved the package, which includes constructing a new building in Osage County ($3.8 million); finishing renovating Tulsa’s Skyline building ($4.8 million), and building an addition to Pawnee’s county office ($1.4 million).

In other business, Hendrick and Commission Chairman Richard DeVaughn welcomed several guests who received special commendations.

Marietta Sousis, a nurse with OKDHS in Payne County, was recognized for her heroic efforts to save a child from choking to death last summer while ignoring her own injuries. 

Kyle Chaufty, a photographer with OKDHS Design Services, was also recognized for his efforts to save a young man who was suffering from severe dehydration as summer temperatures that day reached 107 degrees.

Both Sousis and Chaufty were recognized by the Commission and Hendrick, receiving special “Director’s Awards” for their actions.

Hendrick also recognized Data Services Division Director James Randell and the OKDHS Project Management Office (PMO).  OKDHS received the “PMO of the Year” award, co-sponsored by PM Solutions and the Project Management Institute.  OKDHS is also featured in a new book, released October 1, detailing some of the world’s most high-performing PMOs.

In other news, Hendrick thanked Chief Administrative Office Paula Hearn for her service to the agency.   She will be retiring in November.  Hendrick also welcomed Hearn’s replacement, Sandra Harrison, who currently heads the Office of Intergovernmental Relations and Policy.  Harrison assumes her new role November 15.

Sheree Powell, Director of the OKDHS Office of Communications, presented Commissioners with copies of the 2011 Annual Report.  It was produced in cooperation with the Design Services Division and the Office of Planning, Research and Statistics.

Several clients who utilized OKDHS services in 2011 were featured.  Videos were shown to the Commission documenting how the clients were able to better themselves through use of various agency programs and incentives.

“It is truly an honor to be able to speak and share tidbits of my story,” said Cassandra Pittmon, a former client who used SNAP and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).  “I want you (commissioners) to know I represent the many citizens who try hard to make it each and every day, and I thank you for the services you provide people like me.”

The Commission went into executive session to discuss pending legal claims and actions and to receive status updates on confidential investigations.  The Commission returned to regular session and voted to approve a settlement in a pending lawsuit. 

The Commission set the date of their next meeting for Tuesday, December 6.

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