By Rep. Randy Randleman
Last week, legislators heard the budget request from the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority (OHCA).
OHCA oversees SoonerCare and Insure Oklahoma and requested an additional $80 million for FY23.
Chief Executive Officer Kevin Corbett explained the majority of that increase would maintain funding for SoonerCare as well as accommodate its expected growth in the next year. This growth includes both the 2.6% traditional Medicaid growth and the 6% growth for those applying for Medicaid expansion. They are also preparing for anticipated cost inflation concerns within the programs.
I serve as vice chair of the House Human Services Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee with chair Rep. Mark Lawson, and we are responsible for overseeing where this money goes and how it’s allocated. We try to ensure it is used in ways most beneficial to our constituents. These budget hearings are part of the budget development process, which is a main focus during the legislative session.
With session beginning Feb. 7, legislators are hard at work to finalize their bills, and I wanted to share details about one of my bills this year.
One of the biggest challenges facing our students today is the prevalence of learning disabilities. Approximately one out of every six students struggles with reading.
The two main types of learning disabilities are dyslexia, which primarily affects reading, and dysgraphia, which primarily affects writing. Dysgraphia ranges in severity and manifests in difficulties spelling, writing numbers or certain letters, or writing by hand.
When undiagnosed and untreated, both have an enormous effect on a child’s ability to succeed in and enjoy school, affecting their self-esteem and academic achievement.
Dysgraphia is diagnosed with an evaluation provided by a psychologist, school-certified psychologist, psychometrist, or reading specialist.
Once identified, there are a number of techniques to work with dysgraphia and help children succeed in school, so it’s important to train teachers how to recognize it and employ these techniques.
Some research suggests using different colors for students with dysgraphia, since the left side of the brain only interprets black and white. There is a research center in Ardmore studying this, as well as research in New York City experimenting with glasses with colored lenses.
When treating dysgraphia, one may also want to consult with a pediatrician to consider the use of stimulant medications. These medications increase the amount of dopamine in the lateral geniculate portion of the brain, sometimes correcting the dysgraphia.
I am currently working on a bill to establish a task force to create a handbook on dysgraphia.
This will be similar to the task force established by the Legislature in 2017 which developed the dyslexia handbook. Last year, I ran a bill to transfer the responsibility of the dyslexia handbook to the State Dept. of Education so it can be updated regularly. I’m working with House staff to draft final language for my dysgraphia bill and expect to submit it next week.
As always, you may contact me at randy.randleman@okhouse.gov or (405) 557-7375. Thank you for allowing me to serve House District 15!
Rep. Randy Randleman, a Republican, serves District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Haskell County and portions of Muskogee, Sequoyah, LeFlore, Pittsburg and McIntosh counties.
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