DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver Wednesday received the final report from the Dependent Adults with Mental Retardation Task Force, providing recommendations on how to better protect and care for Iowa’s most vulnerable citizens. Governor Culver created the Task Force to conduct an analysis of Iowa laws and practices related to dependent adults following the mistreatment of employees at Henry’s Turkey Service in Atalissa.

“I believe dependent adults deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and that we must always protect the rights of Iowans with disabilities,” said Governor Culver. “The fact is, for decades, the bureaucracy failed the men of Henry’s Turkey Service. My administration responded quickly to this situation, and this report is one step in that process. I appreciate the work of the Task Force members, and will be reviewing their recommendations to make sure that a situation such as Atalissa does not happen in Iowa again.”

Task Force chair and Elder Affairs Director John McCalley stated, “Of the 26 recommendations, 21 require no new state appropriation and can be implemented immediately. The Task Force will work the General Assembly on passing the legislation they’ve developed based on the report.”

On February 17th, Governor Culver issued Executive Order 11, creating the Task Force which was directed to provide, by April 1, a comprehensive analysis of Iowa laws and practices related to dependent adults in the workplace. The report also provides legislative and administrative recommendations to state agencies in light of the situation at Henry’s Turkey Service.

Last month, Governor Culver was joined by Government Oversight Committee co-chairs Senator Rich Olive (D-Story City) and Representative Vicki Lensing (D-Iowa City) at a meeting of the Task Force to discuss legislative recommendations.

“The situation in Atalissa was deplorable, and I want to do everything we can in Iowa to make sure people, especially the most vulnerable among us, never face those kind of living and working conditions again,” added Governor Culver. “I appreciate the legislature’s interest in this issue. Working together we will do everything we can to protect dependent adults in our state.”

On February 7th, the Henry’s Turkey Service was shut down by the State Fire Marshall, due to unsafe living conditions. At that time, state officials moved the employees to a safe residential facility, and began the investigation into the mistreatment of 21 dependent adults.

Click here to read the full report.