An Oklahoma House begins its review of allegations of fiscal mismanagement at the State Health Department. The first to testify was the Acting Director Preston Doerflinger. He was asked why 200 employees were laid-off last Friday after the legislature gave the department a $30-million emergency appropriation.
Doerflinger said he never implied that the emergency appropriation would not mean lay-offs in the department. He says the lay-offs were planned before he took over the department last month. He did tell lawmakers that he does believe the department can now fulfill its goal.
Governor Fallin appointed Doerflinger to the job after long time director Terry Cline resigned last month.
Criminal charges are possible for against those responsible for the financial mess. An investigative audit of the department is underway.