Oklahoma Human Services presents its SFY2026 budget before the House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 30, 2024) – This morning, Jeffrey Cartmell, director of Oklahoma Human Services, presented the agency’s performance review and budget request for the Oklahoma House of Representatives Appropriations and Budget hearing. For state fiscal year (SFY) 2026, the agency has requested nearly $23 million to sustain increases in the agency’s waiver programs that support individuals with developmental disabilities and vulnerable adults as well as the state match needed to support the increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP). FMAP provides federal matching funds for state expenditures for social services and medical assistance payments, among others. Additional funds in the amount of nearly $1.4 million will be transferred to the Oklahoma State Department of Health and Oklahoma Attorney General to complete the transfer of staff and programs from the Office of Client Advocacy and Long-Term Care Ombudsman through Senate Bill 1709 in 2024.

In his presentation, Director Cartmell described his commitment to ensuring the continued delivery of services critical to supporting the agency’s mission to promote the safety, independence and wellbeing of Oklahomans. He also described a dedication to maintaining the agency's progress in key areas such as eliminating the waiting list for Developmental Disabilities Services and child welfare reform, while also building a foundation for lasting impact. With compassion as the agency’s guide, accountability as its standard, and excellence as its goal, Oklahoma Human Services works tirelessly to sustain and strengthen programs for the benefit its clients. The agency will continue to focus on innovative solutions and foster collaboration to create a future where every individual and family has access to the support they need to thrive—today and for generations to come.

“As I stated in our hearing today, our agency has existed for nearly 90 years to do good,” said Cartmell. “In this next fiscal year and beyond, we will keep a laser focus on alignment to our mission, integration of our services in support of our clients, momentum in areas of growth and sustainability to ensure our critical services are available to support the needs of Oklahomans for generations to come.”

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Editor’s note: The complete budget presentation is available upon request.