The Gazette
September 25, 2012
Letters to the Editor

I recently heard Art Staed’s opponent waxing on about how she oversaw mental health reform for the state. Unfortunately, her reform lacked enough funding for the last half of this year and next year. Control of mental health expenditures and services were removed from local government and placed in the hands of the state.

Linn County has had a standard of care for mental health that exceeded most of Iowa. People who had been leading a fuller life are now losing their assistance and independence with these new changes. Many special services, such as group homes and job support, are essential to their quality of life. These local services are cheaper than full institutional care, but are not covered under Medicare/Medicaid.

Sacrificing the well-being of a vulnerable population on the altar of party politics is unconscionable. Pulling control away from local government who provide these services is not a real improvement.

Staed believes that the people of Iowa deserve better and can do better. While being fiscally responsible, we must also provide adequate services and help our neighbors. Please join me in supporting Staed for Iowa House District 66.

Allyson Story
Cedar Rapids