Oklahoma Health Care Authorty delays cut decision

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has delayed making $5-million in budget cuts after hearing a last minute plea from Governor Henry. <br><br>The authority is considering the cuts

Friday, March 14th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has delayed making $5-million in budget cuts after hearing a last minute plea from Governor Henry.

The authority is considering the cuts because of a statewide revenue shortfall.

The cuts would affect more than 100,000 low-income Oklahomans, including nursing home residents, children and pregnant women.

Rollo Redburn of the Office of State Finance told the board the governor is working on a plan to come up with money to prevent the cuts.

Redburn indicated money may be taken from the state's Rainy Day fund.

The fund currently has about $10-million that can be spent on programs during the current fiscal year.

The health care authority says the money must be available by next Thursday to avoid the cuts.