Thousands fear impact of looming DHS cuts

OKLAHOMA CITY — There is no prejudice when it comes to the number of Oklahomans who would be directly impacted by cuts at the Department of Human Services.

As state lawmakers met for yet another day of debate Monday, they were met with watchful eyes. Estelle Chappell currently receives assistance through the Daily Living Center.

"At the Daily Living Center we have different activities and we go to different places and do things,” said Chappell. “And we're in touch with somebody else in the same shape we're in."

But all of that could cease to exist if a budget deal isn't reached. And it will impact everyone, young and old.

"We won't have adult day programs, we won't have vocational support,” said Erin Taylor, the mother of 15-year-old Henry, who was born with a complex congenital heart condition. "The Oklahoma Constitution mandates that needy persons, including people with disabilities, are protected. And that we levy taxes to do that."

Instead, Taylor is being forced to confront some of her deepest fears.

"I thought that the scariest things that would happen to Henry were his congenital heart diagnosis and a brain injury. But it turns out the most frightening thing in Henry's life is the state government,” Taylor told FOX 25.

Whitney Purkins has come to the same realization with her 2-year-old son, Dax, who was born three months premature.

"We just don't want the legislative side of it to affect his life,” Purkins said.

And with DHS service cuts on the horizon, Purkins says it most definitely will.

"It would mean that in the future there is a small chance that it would affect private duty nursing,” said Purkins. “And he does receive those services. If those were cut, I would have to quit my job and come home, which would mean one paycheck."

The uncertainty for all is overwhelming, and age is clearly no exception.