The trend in requesting budget increases continued into the second day of budget hearings presented to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.
All four agencies presenting Tuesday requested significant increases to their fiscal year 2016 budgets.
The Oklahoma State University Medical Authority requested a $4.9 million increase, $4 million of which would be a one-time appropriation to replenish funds for the Rural Residency Expansion Act.
The act, established to create doctor residency programs in rural areas, was given an initial $3 million for the first three years of the program which will run out two-thirds in to the second year, said Vice President for Administration and Finance Erik Polak.
The state-appropriated dollars would go towards the McAlester Regional Health Center, Comanche County Memorial Hospital and the Norman Regional Medical Center.
Subcommittee Chair Sen. Kimberly David, R-Porter, said she is excited about keeping residents in Oklahoma. Polak said the school feels it’s their obligation to have a residency spot for every OSU graduate to be able to give students the opportunity to stay in Oklahoma.
Other agencies requesting budget increases were the University Hospitals Authority, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, and the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services that includes the Oklahoma School for the Blind and the Oklahoma School for the Deaf.
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