DHS examining budget after shortfall

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Nutrition programs for senior citizens may be cut to help make up a more than 16 million dollar budget shortfall at the state Department of Human Services. <br><br>DHS says Medicaid

Wednesday, September 25th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Nutrition programs for senior citizens may be cut to help make up a more than 16 million dollar budget shortfall at the state Department of Human Services.

DHS says Medicaid reimbursement rates may also be cut.

DHS Director Howard Hendrick says programs such as food stamps and Temporary Aid to Needy Families will NOT be cut. Hendrick says the agency has little room for cuts because of regulations for programs that receive federal funding.

The Office of State Finance says the state is facing a major shortfall and is ordering state agencies to cut budgets by 4.75 percent.

That means 16.2 million fewer dollars for DHS.