With the subject of children’s mental health services up for discussion in the Iowa Legislature, State Representative Scott Ourth wants to make expansion of services a priority. Ourth tells KNIA News the legislature has lagged behind on this issue, and it’s time they stood up and started to help solve the problem.

“We have not appropriated any money towards the business of building a mental health system in Iowa that is appropriate and does the job. We just don’t have one. I’m hopeful that the conversation of money raised from the penny sales tax will be earmarked for the development of new and modern mental health services. We are way behind on that, and it’s high time for us to get it right, we need to quit punting the ball on this.”

Ourth also said this is a bipartisan issue, and an expansion of mental health services would not only affect children, but all who live in the area.