Oklahoma panel to consider funding senior and child programs

Oklahoma panel to consider funding senior and child programs
(Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com)
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – An Oklahoma panel will consider providing millions for two key programs that are in jeopardy amid a state budget crisis.
The Tulsa World reports that the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Board of Directors will consider providing $1.81 million for senior nutrition services, and $1.27 million for mobile crisis response teams that offer behavioral health services to children. The board is expected to vote on Nov. 14.
A board spokeswoman says the endowment has a value of a little more than $1 billion. The majority of the funds have gone to the Department of Human Services, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, and the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Funds come from a portion of the state’s annual payment from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with the tobacco industry.