By Andy Rieger
Oklahoma Veterans Centers, such as the one on East Robinson Street in Norman, should be spared state budget cuts, area legislators said Thursday.
State Reps. Wallace Collins, D-Norman, and Rep. Scott Martin, R-Norman, spoke to local members of the Military Officers Association of America meeting Thursday at the Norman Veterans Center.
"It's unfortunate we haven't funded the veterans centers as we should have," said Collins. He said he hoped centers were spared deeper cuts in next year's state budget.
Martin said the facility was important and the easy thing would be to make all agency cuts the same across the board. He said he hopes the state treasurer is right in saying the state may have bottomed out.
"Believe me, we're still in a tough pickle, but I hope the veterans centers don't receive as large a cut as other agencies," Martin said.
Michael Walters, interim administrator of the Norman Veterans Center, said the facility could absorb some cuts but if it continues, it begins a downward spiral that impacts patient care.
"I'm very proud of the staff and residents of this facility," Walters said. He was named interim administrator in December and has other duties within the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. The state operates veterans centers at Ardmore, Claremore, Clinton, Lawton, Norman, Sulphur and Talihina.
There are about 300 residents at the center and 361 full-time equivalent positions. He said the facility is 95 to 98 percent occupied and there are more than 100 veterans on the waiting list to get in.
Dorothy Brinker, the wife of one of the veteran residing at the center, said she was satisfied with the care given her husband, Paul Brinker.
"They are so kind. Any little thing they can do for you they will," she said.
The military officers association meets the second Thursday of each month. The Dec. 10 meeting will be 6:30 p.m. at the University Club in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. Entertainment for the holiday meeting will be from the Norman North jazz choir.
Commissioned and warrant officers of all uniformed services and their spouses are encouraged to attend. More information is available at the website, Normanmoaa.org.
