I was one of 250 Montana citizens who came together in Helena to support HB 249, Medicaid Expansion. Many of us traveled several hundred miles and spent the night in Helena for an opportunity to speak before Rep. Art Wittich’s Human Services Committee. As it turned out, it became obvious that the 10 Republicans on that committee were not interested in what the 250 proponents had to say. Disappointing? Yes! But, I would not have missed it for world. Listening to the variety of heartfelt, personal concerns and stories from the parade of proponents, both sad and energizing, made me realize that Montana needs Medicaid Expansion more than ever. The hearing was truly amazing. The illuminating testimony by so many constituents supporting HB 249 compared with the unbelievably shallow arguments of a mere 12 opponents should have been more than enough proof that Montanans want Medicaid Expansion. Maybe Americans for Prosperity do not want it, but the vast majority of Montanans do and they deserve it. Get over this smoke screen of a purported voter mandate and do your job. Be a statesman, not an ideologue. Do what is right for Montana, pass Medicaid Expansion.
Craig McClure
Polson