Lawmakers "frustrated" with lack of financial answers from Mental Health Department
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Oklahoma legislators said they were “frustrated” by the latest financial uncertainty with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS).
Commissioner Allie Friesen spoke before a Select Committee to review the department’s finances on Monday.
The latest concern was about how the department would make payroll through the end of June.
"Come May 21st, we will need payroll support," said Friesen.
She asked lawmakers to add $23 million to her budget to pay state employees through June.
The agency said it was still running into unresolved financial problems that it claims had been from years of financial neglect.
"I have zero confidence that our finance team is able to tell me whether or not there are funds to be able to make payroll," said Michael Rupke, the department’s project manager.
Lawmakers pressed Friesen on why she felt $23 million was an accurate number on the department’s shortfalls.
"I can't give you those answers right now," said Friesen.
Senator Paul Rosino (R-Oklahoma City) said he was frustrated by what he heard during Monday’s meeting.
"I'm at a point where I don't think we're getting down to any significant number," said Rosino.
The legislature called for the joint chamber meeting after ODMHSAS reached out to lawmakers Thursday and state it would not be able to meet payroll. It was the first legislators had heard of problems with paychecks. Less than 24 hours later, the agency sent News 4 a statement that said, "ODMHSAS will be making payroll as scheduled."
"You have heard me say this several times publicly,” said Rosino. “I don't think they need more money. I don't I just don't think they have the sophistication to figure it out."
After multiple attempts to get answers as to why there was a shortfall with no definite reason, lawmakers did not make a decision on approving any additional funds. They did promise employees would get paid one way or another.
"This is how they feed their families,” said House Majority Leader Mark Lawson (R-Sapulpa). “But also to our clinicians and our providers and the folks that need mental health services."
With only three weeks until the end of the session, time is running out for lawmakers to make a decision about the agency’s finances since it would have an impact on the state’s budget. Lawson asked the department to come back with proven number for its supplement budget request before moving forward.