Balancing Budgets and Better Human Services Outcomes with OK Representative Daniel Pae

Host Lindsey Gray speaks with Oklahoma Representative Daniel Pae to examine how states are balancing fiscal responsibility with growing demands for human services programs. In this episode of REAL | STATE, the conversation explores how Oklahoma is navigating state budget decisions while investing in child welfare, behavioral health, healthcare access, and family support services. Drawing on his leadership as Chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Human Services Subcommittee and Vice Chair of the House Children, Youth and Family Services Committee, Rep. Pae discusses how lawmakers evaluate funding priorities, measure outcomes, and respond to shifting federal requirements. The discussion also highlights Dylan’s Law and Oklahoma’s efforts to expand awareness and access for individuals living with epilepsy, as well as broader conversations about behavioral health infrastructure, workforce challenges, and the long-term impact of Medicaid and SNAP policy changes. In this episode: • How does Oklahoma balance state budgets while funding human services programs? • What are Oklahoma’s biggest human services funding challenges? • What is Dylan’s Law, and how is it improving epilepsy awareness and care? • How is Oklahoma addressing behavioral health and mental health access? • How could federal Medicaid and SNAP changes affect states? REAL | STATE explores the ideas, decisions, and partnerships shaping the future of Southern state government. Hosted by Lindsey Gray, regional executive director of CSG South, the podcast features conversations with state leaders and policy experts across the South, highlighting practical policy strategies and transferable insights. 🔔 Subscribe and catch new episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and major platforms. New episodes drop every other Thursday. 📲 Follow CSG South on LinkedIn and X @CSGSouth for updates. 🌐 Learn more at csgsouth.org