DHS Hit With Funding Cut

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services was slapped with a massive federal lawsuit last week.  Then it was hit again on Wednesday with a multi-million dollar federal funding cut.

It's definitely facing difficult times now state lawmakers are considering a major overhaul.

The most drastic attempt comes in the form of House Bill 2890.

The bill's author, Richard Morrissette wants to break DHS into three stand alone agencies: children and family services, aging services, and developmental disabilities.

"Ya know I've been dealing with DHS for years as an attorney over in the juvenile system, and it's my absolute conclusion that this agency has to be rebuilt from the ground up," said Rep. Richard Morrissette, (D) Oklahoma City.

Another measure, House Bill 2748 calls for an independent audit of DHS.

DHS Spokesman George Johnson says DHS is always being watched, but if lawmakers want to order an outside audit or deconstruct the department, that's their prerogative.

Johnson adds the federal decision to cut $34 million of the department's money on Monday exaggerates its problems.