State Sen. Kenneth Corn (D-Poteau) and State Reps. Neil Brannon 9D-Arkoma) and Glen “Bud” Smithson (D-Sallisaw) are continuing their push for an immediate special session to prevent the Department of Human Services from cutting more than $7 million from their budget for the state’s senior nutrition program.

“This cut represents more than 780,000 meals that won’t be served over the next year.  For many Oklahoma seniors, these are the only meals they get on a daily basis,” Corn said.  “We can’t turn our backs on them.  The Legislature needs to review what programs, like this one, absolutely can’t afford to take cuts and which ones can.  It’s our duty to protect vital services, like these nutrition programs, to our most vulnerable citizens.”

Corn is encouraging Gov. Brad Henry and legislative leaders to return to the Capitol for a special session and look for other possible cuts to less vital programs in the state budget.

Brannon agreed that this is an issue that must be addressed quickly.  

”I’m shocked that we’re even discussing this issue.  During hard economic times like this, it’s our most vulnerable citizens, like our elderly and handicapped, who need our help the most, and we’re having to fight to ensure food gets to their tables,” Brannon said.  “These are people on fixed incomes who have no one else to turn to, and now their government is turning its back on them.  It’s shameful, and we have to get this straightened out.”

Smithson pointed out that rural Oklahoma would be hit hardest if the funding cut was not reversed.

“In bigger cities, elderly may have access to a variety of food pantries and charities to get a meal, but in small, rural communities like those in our district, these nutrition programs are all that’s available in most cases,” Smithson said.