MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa (AP) — A handful of Iowa lawmakers have reiterated their support for keeping open a state mental health facility in Mount Pleasant. Democratic Sen. Rich Taylor and Republican Rep. Dave Heaton made remarks Tuesday at the Mount Pleasant Mental Health Institute in support of keeping the facility open with state dollars. The lawmakers, both of Mount Pleasant, were joined by Democratic Sen. Amanda Ragan, of Mason City, and local leaders.

The facility’s future became uncertain this year after Gov. Terry Branstad’s budget proposal removed funding for it and the state mental health facility in Clarinda. Lawmakers eventually approved legislation that would keep Mount Pleasant open and would seek a private provider to run Clarinda.

Lawmakers Tuesday urged Branstad to approve the legislation. Branstad’s spokesman says the governor will make a decision soon.