Two Republican legislators from southern Iowa today (Friday) announced they’ve reached a deal with Governor Branstad that will hopefully mean the state-run Mental Health Institutes in Clarinda and Mount Pleasant will reopen next year under private management. Since January, Branstad has repeatedly vowed to close what he calls “antiquated” facilities by June 30th, but today (Friday) it appears Branstad has agreed to temporarily keep parts of the facilities open through mid-December, with the goal of reopening both on January 1st under private ownership.

“I convinced the governor that our campuses needed to remain open to provide these vitally needed services that we had done so well in our community and that were much needed.” That’s Representative Dave Heaton, a Republican from Mount Pleasant. He says says this proposal will be presented for a vote in the House next week.

“The governor’s agreed to take this plan,” Heaton says. “It’s not everything I think that we would want — all of us, both sides of the aisle on this issue, but I think this is the best thing that we can get.” May 18th has been the target date for closure of the Mount Pleasant M-Hi and some furniture already has been removed from the facility. May 31st has been the target date for closing down the Clarinda M-H-I. Representative Cecil Dolecheck, a Republican from Mount Ayr, says this is a “solid agreement” with the governor and it means vital services for mentally ill Iowans will be available in southern Iowa.

(Radio Iowa)