(Milford)– A local lawmaker is concerned over some cuts in programs being recommended by the Iowa Legislature’s Program Elimination Commission.
State Representative Greg Stevens of Milford says it’s too early to tell which of the committee’s recommendations stand the best chance of being approved by the legislature. But he feels one that would require small school districts to consolidate won’t go anywhere. Stevens says the commission has failed to show how that would save the state money. He says such decisions need to stay on the local level.
Stevens is also concerned over a commission recommendation to close some mental health facilities, including the one in Cherokee. Stevens says it’s vital the patients of those facilities be close to their families as they play an important role in the treatment process.
Dickinson county officials are also concerned. They say transporting general-assistance patients greater distances for treatment would result in huge increases in costs and strain manpower in the sheriff’s office.
