DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Gov. Terry Branstad that challenged his decision to close two state mental health centers this year.
Polk County District Judge Douglas Staskal issued a ruling Tuesday that approved a request by state attorneys to throw out the lawsuit.
The suit was filed by the head of Iowa’s largest public employees union and 20 Democratic lawmakers. It claimed that closing the centers in Clarinda and Mount Pleasant was illegal because Iowa law requires the state to operate them.
Tuesday’s ruling says Branstad had the authority to veto financial support for such centers.
Mark Hedberg, an attorney representing the lawmakers and the president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, says he will appeal the ruling to the Iowa Supreme Court.
DES MOINES – IDP Chair Dr. Andy McGuire issued the following statement in response to today’s court decision on the Branstad-Reynolds administration’s veto of funding for two mental health institutes:
“While we disagree with the Judge’s decision today, the fact remains that Governor Branstad’s reckless decision to veto funding for two of Iowa’s four mental health institutes left some of the most vulnerable Iowans with fewer options to receive the care they need. Reports have already shown the detrimental impact of this shortsighted veto.
“Iowa Democrats will continue to lead the fight to ensure Iowans in need have access to vital mental health services.”
