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Permanent LinkMeeting Public Comments
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A bill for an act appropriating federal moneys made available from federal block grants and other nonstate sources, allocating portions of federal block grants, and providing procedures if federal moneys or federal block grants are more or less than anticipated.(See SF 626.)
Subcommittee members: Kraayenbrink-CH, Costello, Petersen
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Senate Lounge
Comments Submitted:
The purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.
Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.
04-01-2025
Charlie Woodcock [Northeast Iowa Mental Health Center]
Iowa Law provides that 70% of the nonearmarked Federal MH Block Grant funds be distributed to accredited Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) this funding must be sustained to protect both workforce training and as well as to offset the costs required to provide services to ALL who request regardless of ability to pay. We believe this funding is best utilized in the hands of the local CMHCs. Currently in SSB1216, it does not allot for the 70% funding earmarked to CMHCs. These funds are vital for the continued ability for CMHCs to secure their workforce and provide an array of other services that impact the most vulnerable Iowans. CMHCs are the 'Safetynet" provides for the most atrisk population. I am advocating for this subcommittee to ensure that SSB1216 secures the same wording as HF709. Making sure that there will be appropriate level of funding to continue the same level of services that CMHCs are current able to provide through this essential level of funding.
04-02-2025
Sheila Martin [Siouxland Mental Health Center]
Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) serve as the backbone of Iowas mental health system, providing essential services to individuals and families regardless of their ability to pay. As the designated safety net providers, CMHCs ensure that Iowans facing mental health challengeswhether due to financial hardship, lack of insurance, or crisis situationsreceive timely and appropriate care.The proposed bill, however, does not explicitly allocate 70% of funds to CMHCs, which puts at risk the critical services that thousands of Iowans rely on. Without a dedicated funding structure, CMHCs may struggle to maintain operations, workforce stability, and service availability, ultimately leaving our most vulnerable citizens without access to care.It is imperative that these funds remain with CMHCs to protect the integrity of Iowas mental health system and ensure continued access to quality, communitybased services. We urge you to prioritize funding for CMHCs and uphold the commitment to serving all Iowans in need.Thank you for your leadership and support in strengthening mental health care across our state.
04-02-2025
Kim Keleher [PLAINS AREA MENTAL HEALTH INC]
Current law requires 70% of the Federal Mental Health Block Grant funds to be dispersed directly to the Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) in Iowa. CMHCs are the critical safety net providers for mental health and supportive services for persons who are uninsured, under insured, Medicaid and Medicare. The Block Grant provides critical funding for CMHCs to support our mission of serving anyone regardless of ability to pay, provides funding for evidenced based trainings for our providers which is critical in supporting positive outcomes for those we serve. Plains Area provided services to approximately 8,000 people last fiscal year. We are not opposed to a pass through of these funds to newly designated ASO, but it is critical the 70% provision remains.
04-02-2025
Audrey Larson [Siouxland Mental Health Center]
Community Mental Health Centers are essential safety net providers, serving clients with complex mental health needs. These individuals often require more intensive and specialized care than typical Medicaid clients. CMHC's rely on block grant funds to support their operations and ensure they can serve everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. These funds are crucial for maintaining the capacity to provide a wide range of required services and hire specialized, often costly staff. Without block grant funds, CMHC's will struggle to maintain their capacity to serve all Iowans comprehensively. The loss of these funds could jeopardize their ability to provide essential services, threatening their very existence and leaving vulnerable populations without necessary care. It is vital that CMHC's continue to receive block grant funds to maintain their essential role in the community and continue serving all Iowans.