Advocacy

Capitol Visitors Implore Lawmakers to Avoid Cuts

On Wednesday, May 5, nearly 400 people showed up at the state capitol to plead with lawmakers to spare state agencies from double-digit budget cuts.  “This will have an impact on everyone” said Mary Brinkley, an organizer of Wednesday’s effort and Executive Director of OKAHSA. “No one in this state will be unaffected if these budget cuts go through.”   House and Senate budget officials asked agency heads to come up with plans to deal with budget cuts ranging from 7.5 to 12.5 percent.  Most state agencies have been cut nearly 15 percent since the start of this fiscal year. 

Those attending were given information that could be used as an outline to talk with their legislators.  Wearing bright green T-shirts that said “Solutions for the Life of our State,” they fanned out throughout the state Capitol going to lawmakers’ offices.  Instead of cutting agencies, they suggested solutions to lawmakers, such as:  Eliminate tax credits or put a hold on them until the state’s economy rebounds,  Eliminate the deduction for state income taxes or phase it out until the state’s revenues improve, Consider sales taxes on soda, candy bars and tanning beds and other items that contribute to the poor health of state residents. 

Advocacy: Budget Cuts

Stand Up for Seniors: An Advocacy Forum 

2010 Stand Up for Seniors Advocacy Forum
January 12, 2010 - Oklahoma City.

The forum highlighted the pressing issues facing the elderly due to the current economic crisis facing our state. Our voices represented the frail elderly Oklahomans who cannot express their concerns regarding funding for critical programs and services for seniors.

Presenters included:
Scott Meacham, State Treasurer:  provided a budget update and the current implications of the revenue shortfall.

David Blatt, Oklahoma Policy Institute: outlined strategies to address the current economic crisis in the state and implications for services and programs that are essential for older Oklahomans.

A panel of legislators shared their position and vision for the future of aging services for Oklahomans. Included on the panel were: Kris Steele, Speaker Pro Tempore, House of Representatives; Scott Inman, House of Representatives; Clark Jolley, Assistant Floor Leader, State Senate; and Andrew Rice, State Senate.

Also included on a panel were candidates for Governor of Oklahoma: Lt. Governor Jari Askins, Attorney General Drew Edmondson, and Senator Randy Brogdon.

Organizers noted that the original idea for the event came from members of the State Council on Aging. They hoped the Stand Up for Seniors forum will empower the aging network and others to become active, to advocate earnestly for the needs of seniors, and to make their voices heard around the state.  Legislators, advocates, members of the aging network, service providers, agencies, consumers, caregivers, and the general public participated in pledging support to address the critical needs of the elderly.


2009 Stand Up for Seniors Advocacy Forum

With the economic crisis so much in the news, the Oklahoma aging network fears that the economic downturn will adversely affect the elderly. Along with over 80 co-sponsors, the State Council on Aging, a statewide group established to champion the needs of and issues confronting older Oklahomans, hosted an event to garner support for issues of the elderly on January 8, 2009 at the Kerr McGee Auditorium, Meinders School of Business, Oklahoma City University.

The theme of the educational forum was Stand Up for Seniors. The forum highlighted the pressing issues facing the elderly from different perspectives.  The "Empty Chair" metaphor was used as an opening introduction to the issues, symbolizing the potential losses seniors may experience with the looming economic crisis. The empty chairs served as poignant reminders to participants of the enormity of those losses for older Oklahomans.  

Leaders of the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services presented short talks on the needs of the elderly related to their agencies and how they see any shortfalls affecting the elderly population.  Featured speakers for the event included Cassell Lawson, Director, Opportunities for Living Life, Oklahoma Health Care Authority; Terri White, Commissioner, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; Dr. Hank Hartsell, Deputy Commissioner, Oklahoma State Department of Health; and Howard Hendrick, Director, Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Organizers note that the original idea for the event came from members of the State Council on Aging. They hope the Stand Up for Seniors forum will empower the aging network and others to become active, to advocate earnestly for the needs of seniors, and to make their voices heard around the state.  Legislators, advocates, members of the aging network, service providers, agencies, consumers, caregivers, and the general public participated in pledging support to address the critical needs of the elderly. Mary Brinkley, OKAHSA, served as coordinator for the event.

MDS 3.0 Training Program information
 

Making Our Communities More Liveable for Older Oklahomans
OKAHSA is leading an advocacy initiative to ensure that programs and services for the elderly are adequately funded. Organizations across the state are encouraged to join this effort on behalf of the "Greatest Generation".

OKAHSA's request bill, SB 1622, was signed into law by Governor Brad Henry on May 11, 2004.

• Full Text of SB 1622