More buyouts announced amid human services cuts

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Some Oklahoma welfare programs will temporarily stop accepting new clients as the state deals with its second revenue failure this year.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services announced another round of buyouts, a hiring freeze and state welfare program cuts on Monday to account for $25 million in lost revenue before the fiscal year ends in June.

The agency estimates it will have cut nearly 700 positions this fiscal year.

Through June, the agency says it will stop accepting new families into the cash-benefit program for children with disabilities. It will also transition to quarterly payments for Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled and reduce some services for aging residents.