Cutbacks to seniors just 'tip of the iceberg,' Henry says
November 3, 2009 — Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry had a discouraging message for a group of senior citizens planning to come to the Capitol later this week to protest proposed cutbacks in a state nutrition program. "We have a crisis throughout state government. The senior centers are just a tip of the iceberg," Henry said. "Hopefully we can make it to a regular session, but we may not." With revenues falling 20 percent or more below estimates, state agencies and departments are absorbing 5 percent monthly cuts. The upcoming protest is "the beginning of many such rallies," Henry said, calling the state's budget situation "critical." Similar words could be used in other states. Mississippi officials announced Monday that revenues fell $111.7 million below expectation. In Arkansas, Gov. Mike Beebe said October tax collections fell more than $18 million below forecasts. -- On a clear day, Houstonians may actually be able to see the milestone they just passed. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday the eight-county Houston area appears to have passed -- by the narrowest of margins -- its smog limits for the year. Despite more stringent regulations and a more energetic effort to curb emissions, the achievement was unexpected. Two years ago, Gov. Rick Perry said it would be practically impossible for the area to meet 2010 standards and won a nine-year extention to 2019. Scientists said the weather and the economy, which has resulted in fewer emissions from cars and factories, were factors in the smog reduction. -- Florida state Sen. Paula Dockery is about to make it official. In an email to the Associated Press, the Lakeland Republican said she will file papers today to run for governor next year. Republican officials had hoped to avoid a primary for Attorney General Bill McCollum, but he has struggled both in fundraising and in polls matching him with his Democratic opponent, state Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink. -- Texas Lottery officials have essentially said "tough noogies" to a Grand Prairie man who says a convenience store clerk stole his lottery ticket, cashed in a $1 million prize and returned to his native Nepal. The clerk has been indicted for fraud in Travis County and is considered a fugitive, but lottery officials said whoever signs and presents the winning ticket for the reward is the winner. |
