Senator Cain Announces Town Meeting Series to Discuss Supreme Court Ruling on Long Term Care for Disabled

Senator Bernest Cain, Chairman of the Senate Human Resources Committee has announced that a series of town meetings will be held throughout Oklahoma to discuss the impact of the Olmstead v. L.C. decision. The U.S. Supreme Court decision requires state Medicaid agencies to provide services to persons with disabilities in the community in "the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs."

Ralph Rouse, Regional Manager of Region VI, Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services will speak at each of the six public meetings.

"Ralph Rouse is one of the most informative and dynamic speakers for the rights of people with disabilities, mental illness and special needs older citizens. Without a doubt, he is probably one of the most informed individuals there is on the Olmstead decision and how it will affect public policy in Oklahoma," said Senator Cain.

Both the media and the public are invited to attend these meetings, at the following locations and times:

Oklahoma City
September 10, 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Oklahoma State Capitol
House Chambers, 2300 N. Lincoln

Lawton
September 11, 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Great Plains Vo-Tech
4500 S.W. Lee

Enid
September 13, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Days Inn Conference Center
202 N. Van Buren

Tulsa
September 17, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tulsa Central Library, Aaronson Auditorium
400 Civic Center

Bartlesville
September 18, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Bartlesville Public Library
600 S. Johnstone

McAlester
September 20, 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Aldridge Apts. Ballroom
200 E. Carl Albert Parkway