DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Thousands of disabled Iowa residents remain on waiting lists for state assistance despite the $6 million the Legislature earmarked to reduce those numbers. The Des Moines Register reports more than 9,000 Iowa residents are waiting, some for more than two years, for services to help them with their mental or physical disabilities. State lawmakers approved the funds last year for the Iowa Department of Human Services.

In June, about 8,400 people were on the lists. The number increased to almost 9,300 by October. Patient advocates say the state agency hasn’t spent much of the money intended to quicken access to the services.  A spokeswoman said Tuesday the agency will soon ramp up the effort.