Independent poll results show Iowans overwhelmingly support retaining MHIs

DES MOINES ? An independent poll released Wednesday by Public Policy Polling (PPP) showed widespread opposition to Gov. Terry Branstad?s plans to close mental health institutes in Mt. Pleasant and Clarinda as well as his efforts to privatize the state?s Medicaid program.

According to poll results, 68 percent of Iowans opposed closing the two mental health institutes while 12 percent were in favor.

The poll reflected bipartisan support to keep the MHIs open. Among Democrats, 84 percent were in favor of keeping the institutes open and 5 percent opposing. Independents favored keeping the facilities open by a 69-12 margin and 50 percent of Republicans favored retaining the institutes compared to 19 percent opposing.

Fifty-two percent of those polled opposed Branstad?s efforts to privatize Medicaid and 22 percent favored the move.