DHS director defends decision over money for disabled people
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.