Lawmakers have mixed reactions to idea of MHI closure

DES MOINES – Some lawmakers are skeptical that significant savings could be found by closing the mental health institute in Mount Pleasant, but said they will remain open to the idea.

Earlier this week, the Department of Human Services proposed closing the Mount Pleasant facility and moving services to the mental health institute in Independence.

Lawmakers had asked the department to recommend closing one of the state's four mental health institutes to save money. The DHS estimates the move would save around $1.7 million a year beginning in fiscal year 2012.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, said he is willing to look at closing the facility.

“If you can't identify real savings, there's not a lot of point in doing it,” Gronstal said. “So we're going to take a careful, hard look at that and we're going to make a judgment.”

Gronstal pointed to the age of the facilities and the decreasing number of people they serve.

Mount Pleasant, which opened in 1861; is the oldest; Cherokee, which opened in 1902, is the newest.

“Today, I don't think there's one of those institutions that breaks 100 (patients)," Gronstal said. "And I think it's time to figure out whether the solutions of the 1800s really make … sense in the 21st Century. “

Gov. Chet Culver said Wednesday he probably will not include a closure of the Mount Pleasant MHI in the budget proposal he presents to lawmakers in January.

But House Speaker Pat Murphy, D-Dubuque, said he believes it is possible the closure of an MHI could gain approval in the House.

“I'm not ruling it out,” Murphy said.

Rep. Dave Deyoe, R-Nevada, said the idea of closing the Mount Pleasant facility needs to be considered but expressed skepticism.

“I'm a little concerned that we may just be shifting jobs from one facility to another and there may not be any real savings,” said Deyoe, an assistant minority leader.

Deyoe said if the move would not improve services or save money, he does not see a point in doing it.

Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley, R-Chariton said a closure of the mental health institute in Mount Pleasant would be a hardship for the district he represents.

“I think they do a good job. That said, I think we do need to look at everything if there is genuine cost savings,” McKinley said.