Iowa Governor Terry Branstad spoke to about 20 people at an open town hall meeting in Jefferson Tuesday.

Branstad pointed out several areas which he says his administration helped the state to recover from the previous administration.  He helped to balance a budget that had $900 million deficit, passed major legislation for education reform with the teacher leadership and compensation program, as well as commercial property tax reform.  Since 2011, 196,000 jobs have been created with the goal of 200,000 jobs within five years of taking office.  He also touched on topics with quality of life and connecting education with the current workforce.

Another topic that was addressed was about mental health.  Branstad said the reason why two of the state’s four mental health institutions closed was due to them not being accredited and not having psychiatrists on staff.  He talks about other strategies to help get people treatment.

“But we’re also trying to encourage the regions to work with nonprofits in their area to provide that in a more community based typesetting.  And because of the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan, all mental health services were previously not covered, they are now covered.”

He also fielded questions about relations with China, clean energy and strengthening education.

Branstad was last in Greene County this past February when he visited Power Lift as part of his 99-county tour.