Duncan North nutrition site budget cut Q&A

Q: How long will this (the budget cuts) last? 

A: The current cut was effective November 1 2009 and will last through October 31 2010. ASCOG is working on a plan to return to pre-cut service levels by July 1, 2010.  However, DHS has only cut 3% and the Governor has announced that all state agencies will have to cut 5% so DHS will have to cut an addition 2% this fiscal year.

 

Q: Hasn’t the state recovered from the recession?

A: That is what some economists might be saying.  The price of natural gas has gone back up to a more manageable level.  But the unemployment is still too high resulting in sales tax and income tax declines in revenue.  The state is more than 19% behind funding levels compared to last year.  We are continuing to decline in revenues compared to last year.

 

Q: If the Federal Healthcare Reform passes taxes will go up.

A: Yes they will, but it will vary based on your current income.  It is difficult to comment on a bill that changes every day.

 

Q: I checked into assistance on prescriptions and I could not get assistance if I have savings or property – I do not qualify.

A: Some programs are income and resource based.  Title III nutrition programs are not.

 

Q: Who qualifies for the nutrition program?

A:  People aged 60 and older, their spouses, and in special cases disabled people may be eligible.  There is no income or resource qualification.

 

Q: How does the Natural Gas production tax work?

A: Gas...
          The Gross Production Tax rate on gas is as follows:

• If the average price of Oklahoma gas equals or exceeds Two Dollars and Ten Cents ($2.10) per mcf, the tax shall be seven percent (7%).
• If the average price of Oklahoma gas is less than Two Dollars and Ten Cents ($2.10) but is equal to or exceeds One Dollar and Seventy Five Cents ($1.75) per mcf, then the tax shall be four percent (4%).
• If the average price of Oklahoma gas is less than One Dollar and Seventy-Five Cents ($1.75) per mcf, then the tax shall be one percent (1%).
• http://www.tax.ok.gov/gp2.html

Q: Why did the senior programs get cut at 25.9% while other cuts were much lower?

A: DHS determined that since the senior programs have been “overmatched” with state dollars and they could be cut without losing any federal dollars then they would be cut accordingly.  Other programs could not be cut without losing federal dollars.  The state still has an overmatch of $1.5 million.

 

Q: Who made the decision to cut senior programs?

A: DHS Director Howard Hendrick and the DHS commissioners