State auditors seek more federal money

Facing a record deficit, state lawmakers Monday unleashed state auditors on the trail of more federal funds.

The Legislature Post Audit Committee assigned the auditors to find ways to leverage more money from Washington, D.C.

The auditors will report back to the committee within two to three months, during the 2003 legislative session.

The state is facing an estimated $800 million revenue shortfall out of a $4.4 billion spending plan.

Haskell receives grant to help prevent diabetes

Haskell Indian Health Center is scheduled to receive a $186,649 federal grant for programs aimed at treating and preventing type II diabetes among American Indians.

The Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas will get a similar grant of $55,157.

“Type II diabetes is attacking Native Americans in epidemic numbers, with rates as high as 50 percent in some tribes,” said Fred Schuster, regional director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ office in Kansas City, Mo.