Oklahoma officials warn cuts could affect programs for poor

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The officials who run Oklahoma’s state agencies say they are running out of ways to insulate core programs from major budget cuts after steep mid-year revenue failures and an expected $1.3 billion shortfall next year.

At risk are services to the poor, the disabled, the elderly and children. Even long-term highway projects like bridge and road repairs are in danger of being delayed amid a 7 percent budget cut through the end of the fiscal year June 30.

Lawmakers have been looking at eliminating some tax credits and incentives, and state Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman says cuts announced on Thursday should get their attention.

Coming this late in the fiscal year, some agencies will have to spend 18 percent less by June 30 than they had previously allocated.