The chairs of the House and Senate Select Committees reviewing mental health finances, Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa, and Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, commented on the meeting today with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS):

"We remain frustrated that the department still does not have confident answers to budget questions, despite ODMHSAS staff being aware of shortfalls in January. Our confidence is dwindling as we approach the legislative deadline to uphold our constitutional duty to pass a balanced budget. 

We remain focused on understanding what funding is necessary to get the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services through FY25 and funded in FY26.

There are still more questions than answers at this point and the people of Oklahoma require answers and the Legislature will continue to hold the department accountable in order to ensure vital mental health services continue without disruption. The delays have all been exhausted. We are running out of time. Oklahomans demand answers."