July 19, 2025 Issue, Page 8 of 10

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8• SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2025 The Elk City News Free School Meals for All? Not So Fast. By Jeff Johnson source. What was once a statewide meals program would cost an esti- To qualify, schools must: the universal coverage originally universal school meals were com- promise is now a local question mated $178 million annually. The • Submit a financial feasibility promised. ing in 2025. And for a brief mo- Just last week, we were proud to mark. funding mechanism—primarily a plan, showing they can fund the ment, it looked like every kid in report some rare good news out of shuffle of existing state education difference between federal reim- LOCAL IMPACT every lunchroom would have a Oklahoma City: a bold new policy WHAT CHANGED? dollars—was never codified in the bursements and actual costs. For districts across Western guaranteed spot at the table. That that promised free school break- The original plan, announced final appropriations bill. And after • Demonstrate use of existing Oklahoma—Sayre, Elk City, Mer- moment has passed—at least for fasts and lunches for every public with little warning by State Super- closed-door budget negotiations, CEP (Community Eligibility Provi- ritt, Erick, Sweetwater—this an- now. school student in the state, no ques- intendent Ryan Walters in early lawmakers admitted they could not sion) programs, or nouncement changes the math. But we’ll keep asking questions, tions asked. It felt like a win—a little July, was built on a blend of federal secure a sustainable way to pay for • Identify local partners, private Many rural schools were cautiously following the deadlines, and check- dignity served on a lunch tray, with USDA reimbursements and state it. donors, or reserve funds that can optimistic about the original plan, ing in with local districts as they a side of common sense. budget reallocations. Walters said Instead, they’ve now passed the bridge the gap. especially those that don’t already weigh their options. Because for Well, no good deed goes unpun- no new taxes or applications would decision to local districts. If no plan is submitted, the dis- qualify for CEP status. Now, each a lot of kids in Beckham County, ished. be required and framed the deci- trict reverts to the traditional mod- district will have to decide whether school lunch isn’t just a meal. It’s In a move that’s left school dis- sion as both a moral and financial WHAT HAPPENS NOW? el: income-based applications, meal they can afford to participate—or stability. It’s normalcy. It’s some- tricts scrambling and parents win. The Oklahoma State Depart- pricing tiers, and potential lunch whether to continue asking fami- times the only full plate they get all scratching their heads, state law- But just days later, the Oklahoma ment of Education has announced debt for unpaid balances. lies to apply and pay. day. makers have pulled back the plan, State Legislature signaled that the an October 1 deadline for districts Superintendent Walters now We’re staying on top of it—so citing budget shortfalls and the numbers didn’t add up. According that still want to participate in the says participation is “voluntary and THE BOTTOM LINE keep reading, and we’ll keep dig- absence of a long-term funding to legislative analysts, the universal universal meal program. district-driven”—a far cry from Oklahoma families were told ging. You Need More than Eight Online enrollment period for the summer cooling Energy Assistance program opens today Ounces of Water a Day OKLAHOMA CITY – Okla- 8 people: $5,712 Summer might be winding National Academies of Sci- stay safely hydrated through- homa Human Services is now ac- LIHEAP PAYMENTS Persons applying for the pro- down, but temperatures are ences, Engineering and Med- out the day. cepting online applications for the Only one payment per year, per gram should have the most recent still climbing here in Oklaho- icine, the daily fluid intake The Long-Term Care Om- low income home energy assis- household is allowed for the sum- cooling bill information for their ma. As the heat lingers, staying recommendation is 3.7 liters budsman program advocates tance program (LIHEAP), at OK- mer cooling program. LIHEAP home and utility supplier, as well hydrated remains critically im- (appr. 15.6 cups) of water for for residents in nursing homes DHSLive.org. This federally fund- payments made on behalf of eli- as their ID, social security number portant – especially for older men and 2.7 (appr. 11.4 cups) and assisted living facilities, ed program helps income-eligible gible households must be applied and verification of income. Appli- adults. Dehydration is a com- liters for women. While water helping to ensure that their families with their summer cooling to the primary source of cooling. cants must enter the entire utility mon and serious health con- is the best choice, all bever- rights and quality of care are utility bills. “Household” is defined as individ- information as it appears on the cern for seniors and is one of ages count toward hydration, protected. Staying safe in the uals using one utility meter or en- utility bill. For more information the leading causes of hospital including juice, milk, and even summer heat, including prop- LIHEAP ergy source. and to apply for benefits, visit OK- visits among this population. soda. Offering a variety of er hydration, is part of our LIHEAP is offered two times a Native American households DHSLive.org. Warning signs of dehydra- drinks throughout the day and commitment to supporting the year for winter heating and sum- may apply through OKDHSLive. Oklahoma Human Services ex- tion include dry mouth, fa- incorporating hydrating foods dignity and well-being of every mer cooling. Additionally, the org or through their tribal nation. pects higher call volumes during tigue, dizziness, dark-colored like watermelon, cucumber, resident. Energy Crisis Assistance Program Tribal households cannot receive the LIHEAP enrollment period. urine, vomiting, and muscle and lettuce can also help. Oral If you would like to volun- (ECAP) is offered mid-April, and assistance from both Oklahoma Customers are encouraged to apply cramps. If left untreated, de- rehydration solutions are use- teer or have any other ques- life-threatening crisis assistance is Human Services and their tribe online at OKDHSLive.org with all hydration can lead to compli- ful for balancing electrolytes, tions or concerns regarding the available year-round. for the same program component required documentation for faster cations such as urinary tract particularly during periods of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Some households already re- during the same federal fiscal year. service. infections, constipation, and high heat or illness. program, please contact your ceiving assistance through Okla- Summer cooling is not a crisis kidney problems. It’s important that older local ombudsman supervisor, homa Human Services may be LIHEAP INCOME program, households with cutoff The best defense against adults and their caregivers are Chloe Nutley, at 580-821-4068 pre-authorized to receive LIHEAP ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES notices do not receive priority. We dehydration is simple: fluid educated on the signs of dehy- or [email protected]. for the summer cooling period, The maximum monthly gross recommend households continue intake. According to the U.S. dration and the many ways to which means they do not need to income allowed per household size paying their utility bill or work with complete an application. Pre-au- is: the utility provider to avoid service thorized households have already 1 person: $1,632 interruption. been notified. Households that are 2 people: $2,215 Oklahoma Human Services re- Southwest Community Action not pre-authorized but current- ly receive assistance through the agency may have been notified by 3 people: $2,798 4 people: $3,380 5 people: $3,963 lies on federal funds to support this program and once this funding is exhausted, the remaining applica- text message and should apply on- 6 people: $4,546 tions must be denied. Group Seek Volunteers line at OKDHSLive.org. 7 people: $5,129 By Sheryl Ponce ham County area for RSVP, ous locations in the community, The Southwest Communi- ty Action Group is looking for which is a program that works with individuals 55 years of age or older. as well as surrounding areas. For more information about the program call Michele Holley at One Church Starts ‘One Habitat’ volunteers in the Elk City/Beck- Volunteers will work at vari- 5880-482-4141. By Sheryl Ponce housing and transition programs to assist residents in building a One Church Elk City an- better future and to improve our MARTIN’S LICENSE #OK-2850 nounced that they have started city by revitalizing our neighbor- a new non-profit organization. hoods one habitat at a time.” As a result, they are looking for The community-wide effort Air Conditioning Inc. volunteers to help with the proj- had a meeting Monday, July 7th, ects. The One Habitat is a faith- at the Route 66 Museum Com- “Serving Elk City Oklahoma Since 1974” based and low-income housing resources. plex ‘s Opera House at 6:30 p.m. One Habitat’s mission is, “To Free Estimates on New Equipment program that is aimed at helping To be a volunteer or learn more show the love of Jesus Christ by Elk City residents gain financial about volunteering go to https:// providing temporary low-income Service on Most Makes & Models 580-225-2495 independence with provisionary ticsms.co/06/12ih. 2116 W 20th St Elk City, OK • Central Air Conditioning SALES • Heating & Heat Pumps SERVICE RESIDENTIAL • Commerical Refrigeration INSTALLATION COMMERICAL LICENSED • INSURED • BONDED • BBB A+