Oklahoma officials used millions in federal relief money to cover pandemic-related payroll costs, freeing up other money to move a state lab that has since been plagued with problems.
Care providers in the state have faced a staffing crisis for years due to low pay. It could pose a problem as the state aims to end a 13-year waiting list for developmental disability services.
The state’s strategy for containing the disease involves rapidly vaccinating people who have already come into contact with the virus.
The state auditor released an investigation into questionable spending after the Attorney General said he would keep it confidential.
Former Attorney General Mike Hunter requested the investigative audit after questionable spending to obtain pandemic supplies.
While similar proposals didn’t get a hearing last year, GOP lawmakers are hoping a more nuanced approach will help their legislation gain traction.
“We have already experienced some legislative resistance to the move to Stillwater and as many pieces as we can have in place sooner rather than later will make this deal hard to break up,” Matt Stacy, who at the time served as the agency’s hospital surge plan adviser, wrote.
As the pandemic enters its third year, Oklahoma officials and candidates for office continue to spread inaccurate information.
