This page presents the views of the two candidates running to become Iowa’s governor in 2018. Incumbent candidate Governor Kim Reynolds (R) and retired businessman Fred Hubbell (D) answered the coalition’s questions on seven important child and family policy issues. All responses are printed without editing.
A thank you to both candidates for responding to these important questions.
What actions will you take to ensure access to services to address the developmental, emotional, and mental health needs of infants, children and young adults?
GOV. REYNOLDS |
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FRED HUBBELL |
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This year, I signed a first of its kind executive order (EO2) to create a children’s mental health care system to initially, develop and recommend specific the steps necessary to build an integrated, well-coordinated, and sustainable children’s mental health system. And long-term, the Board will serve as the state-board providing oversight and technical assistance to the entire system. EO2 establishes a statewide children’s mental health board charged with:
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In every community I visit, I hear how Iowans are hurting from lack of access to the mental health services they need. In December I released a comprehensive mental health plan that includes establishing a Children’s Mental Health Program, expanding jail diversion programs, supporting community-based services, and adding 50-75 new in-patient beds across the state. As governor I’m committed to putting real funding behind my plan to enact the long-term solutions this crisis needs and Iowans deserve. |