Commissioners call for action for nutrition programs

Published: October 14, 2009 10:49 pm     

Commissioners call for action for nutrition programs

Toni Hopper
The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — By Toni Hopper

The Duncan Banner

A resolution bearing the three Stephens County commissioner’s signatures will be sent to Oklahoma State Legislatures this week addressing the funding cuts made to the Oklahoma Area Agencies on Aging for its nutrition programs.

Commissioners Darrell Sparks, Dee Bowen and Todd Churchman showed much concern for the $7.4 million budget cut that could ultimately shut down senior nutrition centers statewide. They want people to know they support the OAAA and its nutritional programs.

The resolution, which was signed Tuesday, also states that this issue jeopardizes the lives of “thousands of Oklahoma’s oldest citizens.”

Bowen said that the resolution will hopefully get the nutrition centers funding.

“The County Board of Commissioners respectfully request that the Oklahoma State Legislature seek immediate solutions to provide funding at its current level of services to the Oklahoma Area Agencies on Aging,” stated the final paragraph in the resolution.

According to the resolution, the cuts were made in July by Oklahoma’s State Department of Human Services, and another 30 percent was made at the end of September.

Just as important to the senior’s nutrition is the social aspect that the senior sites provide, noted the resolution.

In a Banner article Monday, Project Director Dan Lowrance issued a call for help for area volunteers, since staff would first be reduced at the local sites. To volunteer to help with meals, serving or deliveries, call 580-255-3967.

The resolution also outlines that there are 234 locations across the state that serve about 23,000 meals daily to Oklahoma senior citizens.

For those interested in this issue, contact your local legislators. They include:

— Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, Oklahoma State Capitol, Room 211, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Phone: 405-521-2161. E-mail jari.askins@ltgov.state.ok.us

— State Sen. Anthony Sykes, District 24, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 425, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. E-mail: sykes@oksenate.gov Phone: 405-521-5569.

— State Sen. Don Barrington, District 31, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 412A, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. E-mail: barrington@oksenate.gov Phone: 405-521-5563.

— State Rep. Dennis Johnson, District 50, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 301, Oklahoma City, OK 73105; dennis.johnson@okhouse.gov Phone: 405-557-7327.

— State Rep. Corey Holland, District 51, Oklahoma State Capitol, Room 537A, Oklahoma City, OK 73105; corey.holland@okhouse.gov Phone: 405-557-7405.

— State Rep. Joe Dorman, District 65, Oklahoma State Capitol, Room 536, Oklahoma City, OK 73105; dormanjo@lsb.state.ok.us Phone: 405-557-7305.