On Nov. 8, Newsweek ran a feature on the states that are having it easier than others, even doing better as a result of the current recession.

The article named Oklahoma as one of the “Heartland Honeys” because of its low unemployment and growing energy and aerospace industries.

Sounds like news to us, after an election season that made it clear to Oklahomans that, while we may have avoided some of the situations facing other states, it’s not going to be easy forever.

During the Nov. 2 elections, voters struck down a measure that would have raised education spending to the regional average because public officials constantly reminded everyone that the state was facing a $400 million budget shortfall and would have to cut funding to already starved state agencies to fund the increase.

A clear example of the recession’s impact on our state can be seen in the United Way of Norman’s fundraising campaign.

United Way is an international non-profit organization that identifies problems and issues in specific communities in an effort to improve them.

OU is traditionally United Way’s single biggest donor, but was unable to reach its Friday goal of $215,000. As of Friday, OU had only raised $148,302.23. Because of this, OU’s campaign is extending its deadline to Dec. 10.

Budget cuts are one of the likely reasons OU failed to meet its goal, said Kathy Holder, vice president of operations for United Way of Norman. This is understandable, because as tuition and fees increase and departments prepare for possible budget cuts due to a lack of available state funds, it’s not likely that members of the OU community are willing to give as much as they have in the past.

If United Way doesn’t meet its goal, organizations that benefit from its funding could see cuts.

One organization that could see cuts is Norman’s Big Brothers Big Sisters branch, a non-profit youth mentorship organization.

When United Way of Norman didn’t reach its fundraising goal in 2008, Big Brothers Big Sisters had to cut staff due to lack of funding.

There’s still time for United Way to get close to its Dec. 3 campaign deadline, and anyone can donate. We strongly encourage everyone in the OU community who can to give, because United Way’s work is important.

Despite the perception of Oklahoma’s supposed “recession proof” nature, keep in mind that there are businesses, organizations and individuals who have suffered because of it. United Way of Norman’s situation is one small example.

It’s true that Oklahoma’s unemployment rate — 6.9 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — is lower than the national average of 9.6 percent, but that doesn’t mean everyone is living the dream.

The number of Oklahomans living under the poverty line increased from 15.9 percent in 2008 to 16.2 percent in 2009, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

As the state continues to suffer from the impacts of the recession, these numbers could likely increase.

If you are among the fortunate experiencing the benefits of the “Heartland Honey,” don’t forget those with empty cups and don’t forget the charity groups like United Way that battle the conditions that lead to poverty.

With the state struggling to fund each agency, these non-profits are more important than ever, because they ensure that Oklahoma’s most vulnerable people receive the care they need.