Oklahoma seniors protest cuts to nutrition program

By Tim Talley

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Hundreds of seniors waved empty paper plates Wednesday to protest cutbacks in nutrition programs for the elderly that could eliminate thousands of meals for some of Oklahoma's most vulnerable citizens.

"It's not right," rally organizer Charlie Campbell said as about 400 seniors, some using wheelchairs or leaning on walking aids in the crowded Capitol rotunda, applauded, cheered and waved symbolic empty plates distributed by the AARP.

"No, it's not," someone in the crowd shouted back.

The Department of Human Services cut $7.4 million from senior nutrition programs after Oklahoma officials trying to cope with declining revenues ordered 5 percent cuts in the budget allocations of all state agencies.

If left in place through the end of the fiscal year on June 30, the AARP estimates the cuts will eliminate 780,000 meals for elderly Oklahomans who would have been served at their homes or at congregate meal sites.

Rep. Wallace Collins, D-Norman, was one of the legislators who attendance at the rally Wednesday.

"I was pleased that there was such a big turnout, but I'm opposed to the cuts and I think there are other things that we could do without," Collins said.

He sent a letter to House Speaker Chris Benge Thursday proposing an alternative to cutting the senior meal program. The House has a surplus of $6.4 million in its reserve fund, and Collins said the Senate probably also has a surplus.

"My feeling was that the House and Senate should get together and they should pool their money," and give it to the senior nutrition program, Collins said. He said in the past that discretionary money in the House has been used to buy security cameras and new televisions.

"We can forgo all the cameras and big-screen TVs and instead help the seniors," Collins said.

Collins isn't the only official to take up the cause for seniors and propose solutions.

Sen. Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, who with Sen. Tom Ivester, D-Elk City, slept on the Capitol's south plaza Tuesday night to draw attention to the cuts, said Democratic Gov. Brad Henry met with them overnight and is committed to resolving the issue.

Under one proposal, DHS would restore the nutrition programs providing the agency receives a $7.4 million supplemental appropriation when the Legislature convenes in February, Corn said. That idea must be approved by Republican legislative leaders.

Sen. Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City, said if no agreement is reached lawmakers may convene a special session to consider tapping into the constitutional Rainy Day fund, which contains almost $600 million.

Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, called on Henry to dedicate 5 percent of his $105 million in discretionary federal economic stimulus money for the nutrition programs. But the governor has said those funds already are committed to one-time projects.

Collins said the senior nutrition program is important not only for the meal seniors receive but also the personal contact from those delivering the meal.

"It's important for someone to check on these people," he said.

Those who gathered at the Capitol Wednesday to protest the cut had personal testimonies of the impact of the nutrition program.

"This is a moral issue," said Rebekah Williams of Sulphur, a senior advocate who became emotional as she held up a photograph of herself with her father, Marvin Reed, a World War II veteran who died two years ago at age 82.

"My dad had Alzheimer's. If it wasn't for the nutrition program we wouldn't have been able to keep him home as long as we did," Williams said.

Correna Wilson-Pickens, 73, a member of the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature, said nutrition programs at congregate sites are a lifeline for seniors who need a good meal and fellowship.

"Without this I would never see anybody," said Peggy Hartman, a disabled 61-year-old who said she received meals at home. "Without the meals on wheels, I'd sit home and die," Hartman said.

Tax-supported meals also allow the elderly to use more of their fixed incomes on other necessities such as medicine and utilities. Marjorie Lyons, volunteer state president of AARP Oklahoma, said seniors who rely on home-delivered meals to live independently in their own homes may be forced into nursing homes due to the cuts.

Transcript Staff Writer Julianna Parker Jones contributed to this report.