Wrap Up: Democratic Legislators Listen to Concerns at Listening Session in Flathead Valley and Ravalli County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, March 31, 2024
CONTACT
press@montanademocrats.org
HELENA — Senator Shane Morigeau, (D-Missoula), Senate Democratic Whip Susan Webber, (D-Browning) Senator Mary Ann Dunwell, (D-East Helena), Senate Democratic Leader Pat Flowers (D-Belgrade) and Appropriations Vice Chair, Mary Caferro (D-Helena) stopped in Northwestern Montana last week as the Legislative Listening tour continues across the state.
Legislators first stopped in Columbia Falls and heard from Flathead Valley residents. The major discussion topics included property taxes, the housing shortage, and the mental health crisis in Montana.
“Everything costs more,” said one Flathead Valley resident. “The Republican supermajority has only made it worse.”
The next day, legislators traveled to Pablo.
CSKT member and former State Health Director Anna Whiting Sorrell facilitated the meeting and asked legislators to draft a bill to continue Medicaid expansion.
Legislators wholeheartedly agreed and said Medicaid expansion will likely be a major topic next legislative session.
“Last legislative session we started with $1.8 billion in surplus, much of it wasted,” said Representative Cafero. “ People’s health is the best investment we can make. As we’re hearing tonight and have heard all across the state – Medicaid expansion is a priority for Montanans.”
The March Legislative Listening Tour ended in Hamilton.
Legislators and 75 Ravalli County residents gathered for a lively discussion with topics ranging from the right to privacy and reproductive freedom to property taxes. Residents shared concerns about a proposed mine, Native American outreach, privatization of public services, and the future of Democracy.
Background
The Legislative Listening Tour kicked off in Great Falls last summer and has made additional stops in Belgrade, Fort Peck, Laurel, Red Lodge, Lewistown, Havre, Arlee and Ronan.
Down the road, the Montana Democratic Party will release a report and craft our work based on what we learn.
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