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Seniors Protest at Capitol

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – Seniors hold nutrition rally

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Hundreds of seniors are at the state Capitol to express their frustration over cuts to nutrition programs for the elderly.

The Department of Human Services has cut $7.4 million from senior nutrition programs to offset declining state revenues. The reduction means fewer congregate meals and home-delivered meals.

Democratic lawmakers told seniors Wednesday that Gov. Brad Henry and DHS Secretary Howard Hendricks have agreed on a way to restore money for the programs. But the deal must be approved by Republican legislative leaders.

State agencies have had to cut 5 percent from their budgets each of the last three months as a result of lower revenues. Last week, state officials announced that the cuts would continue through the end of the fiscal year June 30.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.

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