The Iowa Legislature recently passed a bill to improve children’s mental health in the state, laying the groundwork for infrastructure. State Representative Scott Ourth tells KNIA News the measure is currently unfunded, but represents a start towards solving a problem.

“This bill is figuring out what that infrastructure needs to look like, and this will enable us to systematically provide support and services to children living with mental illness and their families. One of the reasons people voted against this was there was no funding for it, but I’m of the belief of, who am I to stand in the way of taking the first step towards solving this problem. Once we get the infrastructure settled and get the model built, we’ll understand better what it takes to finance it and i’m all for it.”

Ourth also said he is glad this issue is a priority for Governor Reynolds, and both sides of the aisle are working towards a solution.