Kleeb: Johanns hurt Nebraska by closing hospitals
Posted: Wednesday, October 08, 2008
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Democratic Senate hopeful Scott Kleeb says Republican Mike Johanns failed Nebraska by closing state psychiatric hospitals when he was governor.
At a health forum in Omaha Tuesday, Kleeb said Johanns' plan eliminated funding for those needing mental health care and didn't make sure the displaced patients had someplace to go.
But Johanns says nothing could be further from the truth.
"We'd never get a bill passed with that idea," Johanns said. "That would be cruel beyond cruel."
In 2004, state lawmakers passed a contentious mental health reform measure that Johanns championed. It was meant to phase out psychiatric hospitals in Hastings and Norfolk and replace them with community-based services.
Those who opposed the plan expressed concerns about whether the most needy patients would get the same level of service.
As a part of the plan, Johanns said the state redirected millions of dollars for protective housing, transportation, Medicaid and other services. Johanns said that thanks to his work with the Legislature, 9,000 more people are getting treatment.
But Kleeb said that some people who should be in mental health centers today are in jail cells.
Kleeb also said the failed reform has caused the state to be sued "because of human rights violations."
The Beatrice State Developmental Center faces a lawsuit over alleged abuses.
But Johanns said the lawsuit has nothing to do with mental health reform program because the Beatrice Center isn't a mental health facility.
Johanns said Beatrice is meant for the neediest, most developmentally disabled people who need constant care and shouldn't be confused with the mental health reform he championed.
"I'm disappointed that you raised this, because I tried to point this out in our last debate," Johanns told Kleeb.
Johanns said when he was governor, the state also used $19 million from a tobacco settlement to expand mental health care, respite care and other health services.
On the Net:
Mike Johanns for Senate: http://www.mikejohanns2008.com
Scott Kleeb: http://www.scottkleeb.com
At a health forum in Omaha Tuesday, Kleeb said Johanns' plan eliminated funding for those needing mental health care and didn't make sure the displaced patients had someplace to go.
But Johanns says nothing could be further from the truth.
"We'd never get a bill passed with that idea," Johanns said. "That would be cruel beyond cruel."
In 2004, state lawmakers passed a contentious mental health reform measure that Johanns championed. It was meant to phase out psychiatric hospitals in Hastings and Norfolk and replace them with community-based services.
Those who opposed the plan expressed concerns about whether the most needy patients would get the same level of service.
As a part of the plan, Johanns said the state redirected millions of dollars for protective housing, transportation, Medicaid and other services. Johanns said that thanks to his work with the Legislature, 9,000 more people are getting treatment.
But Kleeb said that some people who should be in mental health centers today are in jail cells.
Kleeb also said the failed reform has caused the state to be sued "because of human rights violations."
The Beatrice State Developmental Center faces a lawsuit over alleged abuses.
But Johanns said the lawsuit has nothing to do with mental health reform program because the Beatrice Center isn't a mental health facility.
Johanns said Beatrice is meant for the neediest, most developmentally disabled people who need constant care and shouldn't be confused with the mental health reform he championed.
"I'm disappointed that you raised this, because I tried to point this out in our last debate," Johanns told Kleeb.
Johanns said when he was governor, the state also used $19 million from a tobacco settlement to expand mental health care, respite care and other health services.
On the Net:
Mike Johanns for Senate: http://www.mikejohanns2008.com
Scott Kleeb: http://www.scottkleeb.com
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