The Oklahoma House overwhelmingly approved $34 million in supplemental funding this fiscal year for the Department of Human Services, but not without harsh words.
Minority Leader Scott Inman said Republicans’ tax breaks for oil companies and the rich led them to pass an unbalanced budget that shortchanged DHS. Inman said parents of disabled children who rely on DHS care subsidies are coming to the capitol and begging lawmakers for funding.
"Why? Because this body won't stand up and do the right thing and even pass a constitutional budget," Inman said. "Because we'd rather tell our suits that write checks and take you to fancy dinners, 'I got your back.'"
Inman also said Republicans told his caucus last year DHS was funded for the year when it was funded for only 10 months with a promise of more money later.
"It's got a lot of meaning behind a short, little, big word, but it was a lie. And those of you in this building who voted for that budget violated your oath of office," Inman said. "You passed an unconstitutional budget. Period."
Inman ultimately voted for the measure.
Human Services Chair Pat Ownbey fired back at him on the floor.
"I don't think I had one question on the bill. You know what the bill's even talking about? The most vulnerable," Ownbey said. "So, while we stand up on our platforms, Republican and Democrat, and talk about things that we should be doing or you should be doing, the people in Oklahoma are the ones that are suffering.
Ownbey also blamed Inman for the failure of last year’s cigarette tax hike. Inman has said he told Democrats to oppose it because Republicans backed out of a deal to expand Insure Oklahoma with those funds.
House Bill 2342 passed 94–0 and gives DHS $30 million from the unclaimed property fund and $4 million from the rainy day fund.
