DHS director defends decision over money for disabled people

The Iowa State Capitol building.
The Iowa State Capitol building.(KCRG)
Published: May. 10, 2016 at 2:40 PM CDT
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The head of a state department says he didn't spend $750,000 on a disability program as intended by some Iowa lawmakers because he received unclear language in a budget bill.

Iowa Department of Human Services Director Chuck Palmer told a legislative committee Tuesday that a spending bill approved for the current budget year didn't include clear instructions to use the money for a program that helps people with disabilities get and hold a job.

Some lawmakers say the agency was told last year the money was for the program. The money instead became part of the state's roughly $4.2 billion Medicaid budget.

Senate President Pam Jochum, a Dubuque Democrat, suggested DHS undergo an independent audit to ensure funds are used properly. A DHS official says the agency welcomes such reviews.