Topeka (WIBW) - The Kansas Neurological Institute in Topeka will stay open, but only for now.

The state's Facilities Closure and Realignment Commission voted seven to three Monday to downsize both KNI and Parsons State Hospital. The facilities care for people with severe disabilities.

The plan is to move as many people as possible to community-based services, then close KNI when enough space at Parsons is available for those who can't move into the community.

State Rep. Bob Bethell says families should be reassured that pushing toward community-based services will actually result in better care for patients. Plus, he says closing one hospital will make money available to put into community-based services.

State Rep. Nile Dillmore was critical of the plan. He says he supports a move toward community-based services. However, he says the state cannot fund the number of people on community-based services currently. He says, with that being the case, it's irresponsible to put more people on that system.

The Commission had been looking to cut money from the state budget by closing one or both facilities. They're also discussing the futures of the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Rainbow Mental Health.

Their meeting continues Tuesday.