(Le Mars) — Along with property tax reform and education reform, the other major piece of legislation the state legislature wanted to accomplish was to reform the financing and policy of mental health services. Many Iowa counties are not able to afford the cost associated with providing mental health services, and initially, the state was reluctant to pick up the added expense. State Representative Chuck Soderberg of Le Mars says in the closing hours of the session, lawmakers were finally able to reach a compromise and an agreement on the state’s mental health program, both with the implementation of policy, as well as the funding.
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Soderberg says mental health financing was a bill in which he had some particular interest. He says the state will provide the basic needs funding and some counties may have to contribute additional funding for additional services.
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Sharon Nieman, serves as the Central Point Coodinator for Plymouth County. Although Nieman says she and her board have not had the opportunity to fully analyize the complete details within the approved legislation, she is fearfull that Plymouth County may be adversely affected.
