Concerns over health care leads to protest at Oklahoma state capitol

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahomans concerned about health care gathered at the Capitol to ask lawmakers for help. <br><br>They asked lawmakers Wednesday not to cut medical services to the state's neediest

Thursday, March 27th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahomans concerned about health care gathered at the Capitol to ask lawmakers for help.

They asked lawmakers Wednesday not to cut medical services to the state's neediest people, to put a lid on rising drug costs, to investigate nursing home deficiencies more closely and to raise revenues to offset budget shortfalls.

Rally participants proposed increasing driving under the influence fines and raising or assessing taxes on cigarettes, canned soft drinks, liquor and gasoline.

The hearing in the state House chambers was sponsored by Community Health Charities of Oklahoma.

Representative Bill Mitchell oversaw the meeting, which about half a dozen legislators attended.