Massive Tax Cuts + Bush Economy =
Lots of pain. Here is a sampling of what the continuous mantra and action of “cut taxes, cut taxes, cut taxes” and the worst recession since the Great Depression has lead to:
- state Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services – board met last week and discussed plans to reduce its staff by 100 jobs and cut services and programs. The agency took action to cut $7.3 million from its budget in the wake of declining state revenues. Read the story here.
- Ethics Commmission – The state agency that is charged with policing political campaigns will be furloughing staff members right in the middle of the 2010 election cycle if current budget projections hold up. Read the story here.
- Career Tech – The Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education approved a voluntary buyout plan Thursday for its employees in the wake of declining state revenue – the board anticipates that 30 employees will take the buyout. Read the story here.
- Public Schools – If funding cuts get any steeper, the Edmond School District will have to let go of teachers next year, Edmond school officials said this week. Read the story here.
- Seniors – $7.4 million in funding cuts to senior nutrition programs – many may be forced into nursing homes, 97,744 meals not delivered in Tulsa County, 3 Oklahoma County sites closed, Canadian County $27,364 already cut with sites closing an extra day each week, Cleveland County $36,006 cut with one site closed and another serving meals only 3 days a week, etc. etc. etc. Read the story here.
- Public Safety – Budget cuts are proving particularly troubling for prosecutors and others who enforce state laws. … Oklahomans also will see fewer Highway Patrol troopers and might have to wait longer to renew a driver’s license, said Kevin Ward, the commissioner for public safety. Read the story here.
