Lawmakers, do your job

Like most Oklahomans, I’m appalled by the lack of leadership during the current budget debate. For the good of our state, I urge lawmakers to put aside the partisan games and do your job.

Because of the inability or unwillingness to compromise on the important issues, the health care of thousands of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens is in jeopardy. Without action, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will end outpatient treatment for those suffering with substance abuse or mental health conditions. And the Oklahoma Health Care Authority will cut provider rates by 9 percent, driving physicians out of the Medicaid provider network and further exacerbating the state’s access to care crisis.

This is a perfect example of why Oklahomans have lost faith in their governmental leaders. For months, policymakers on both sides of the aisle have been telling us, “Trust us, we’ll get this done.” They accuse provider groups and health agencies of “scare tactics.” And yet, they have given us no reason to believe they have enough willpower to do the right thing and prevent those scenarios from coming to fruition.

Lawmakers, show us you can lead. Show us that you can compromise. Show us you can exercise the political will to do what is right for the most at-need populations in our state. Show us you can do your job! Oklahoma patients need it and your constituents demand it.