OKDHS Director Edward Lake comments on the passage of State Question 765

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Director Ed Lake provided comments to the media late last night about the passage of State Question 765 which abolished the Commission for Human Services.

"Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to get to know the members of the Human Services Commission and have found them to be energetic, motivated and passionate about helping the people our agency serves," said Lake. "I would have enjoyed continuing to work with this committed group of professionals but the voters have spoken. In most states, and as it was in Tennessee where I came from, the heads of state agencies report to the Governor. I am excited about the future of OKDHS and look forward to working with Governor Fallin and the Legislature in continuing the good work and improvements this Commission has begun. The Governor has demonstrated her support for this agency and is committed to ensuring we are successful in making lasting improvements, particularly in our foster care system. I am also looking forward to working with the new citizen advisory panels as those are established.

I want to assure the people in this state who are currently receiving services from our agency or who are contemplating seeking assistance," Lake continued. "Our mission is to help Oklahomans in need lead safer, healthier, more independent and productive lives. Although our governance structure has changed, our mission remains the same and we will continue to serve as a safety net for those who need our help."

###