News Release
"Now that we know DHS' appropriation, we will take the next few weeks to review our preliminary budget plans and begin to make the extremely difficult decisions about what must be cut and to what extent. However, we will do everything in our power to protect the progress we have made in child welfare reforms," said DHS Director Ed Lake.
"Our commitment is always to the people we serve and to our employees who are on the front lines providing assistance to their friends and neighbors in communities all across this state. Unfortunately, circumstances will require reductions to many programs and further cuts in positions."
Over the last two fiscal years, DHS has reduced 1,200 non-child welfare positions through a combination of streamlining and reorganization to achieve greater efficiencies.
"We appreciate the support of Governor Fallin and legislative leaders who have worked to protect DHS' core services to some of our most vulnerable populations," said Lake. "We are also grateful to all of our community partners who continue to step up and assist us in our mission. Our agency will need those partnerships even more in this challenging year ahead."
"We will diligently manage spending and monitor our budget over the next few months and will keep leadership apprised of our situation."
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