Plus, Rally for the Montana Constitution this Thursday, Know Your Rights, and staff updates at Big Sky 55+
First, an update on 2 key bills!
Medicaid Reauthorization moves forward!
SUPPORT: HB 245 Rep. Buttrey's Medicaid Expansion Bill that removes the sunset on Medicaid Expansion, passed 2nd reading in the House 62-37 today. This is a good, healthy bi-partisan vote. It will have a third reading, and then head to the Senate. Thank you to all of you who sent messages of support for this bill! If you haven't yet, you still can!
Good news on SB 72!
SB 72, “Provide Presumptive Eligibility for Medicaid Coverage of Home and Community Based Services,” sponsored by Sen. Mike Yakawich (Billings), would allow persons who would otherwise qualify to be in nursing homes, to instead receive timely assistance to help them maintain independence in their own home.
SB 72 passed out of committee and is headed to the full Senate. Please send a message to members of the Senate and ask them to VOTE YES on SB 72.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2025, NOON
I Love the Constitution Rally
Join the League of Women Voters Montana, Montana Conservation Voters, Northern Plains Resource Council, Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund, and others for a rally to celebrate and protect the core values that uphold our democracy. Click for more info and to RSVP.
Super Power Opportunity:
Knowing your rights and looking out for your community
Reports are increasing from around the country and Montana of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers taking people into custody who may or may not have broken any laws.
Xenophobic rhetoric coming out of the White House, Rep. Zinke's office, and Yellowstone County Commissioner Mark Morse, among others, is setting up a dangerous situation in which folks of all ages are being targeted because of the color of their skin.
Many Big Sky 55+ members have seen the exclusion of “others” before:
The United States of America is only one generation removed from internment camps, now considered a shameful period in our shared history.
Very recently, detention centers had a policy of separating migrant families from each other.
The history of targeting a select group of people to "safeguard" or "protect" a certain American Identity is long and fraught with civil rights abuses.
The United States of America is a country built by immigrants, founded on pluralistic ideals that promise hope, safety and chances at success for any human.
As senior members of the community, we have unique “superpowers” that we can use to help our community in these uncertain times.
We are connected to a large network of people, from school years to current volunteer work.
We are often well-positioned to speak to city or state leaders about issues we care about.
We can leverage our lifetime of learning and experiences to inform our friends, family, and community members about the paths in front of us.
None of what we are seeing happen is new in the world; we can share the lessons of support and community amidst such times. Please look around and consider who you might best support those in your community who may be vulnerable.
Click here for a list of resources you can use to educate yourself and others about our rights. Thank you!
GOODBYE AND THANK YOU, JEANNIE!
We're sad to announce that Jeannie Reeves Hansen has moved on to other adventures as of January 31. We will miss her passion, knowledge, and deep belief in the mission of Big Sky 55+. Board member Elizabeth Marum captured it well in a message to Jeannie: "Your sense of justice for the average person exceeds that of many of us. The social work community is lucky to have produced someone of your stature and talents. Your understanding of how DPHHS works comes from your various interactions with them, and it was excellent of you to share your knowledge with us. Thank you!"
We wish you well, Jeannie!
WELCOME TRENT!
We are pleased to announce the hiring of Trent Bolger as our new Executive Director. Trent hit the ground running this week in our Helena office.
Trent brings extensive experience in marketing, communications, political organizing, and structures, and knowledge of Montana’s political landscape. He most recently worked for the Montana Medical Association, bringing insight into issues important to all Montanans, such as healthcare access, cost, and coverage for Montanans, including seniors.
In Trent's words: “I am excited to join in the great work already being done at Big Sky 55+ and hit the ground running to organize and represent Montanans who are retired, getting ready to retire, thinking about getting ready to retire, or hoping they can retire someday. Older Montanans have less economic room to maneuver, which is why organizations like Big Sky 55+ are growing and mobilizing members affected by the increasingly poor policies coming out of Helena and Washington, D.C.” We look forward to working with you, Trent!
Join us for our next
Legislative Town Hall
"Protecting Montana's Fair and Independent Courts"
Feb. 25 at 6:00.
Click here to register.
Legislative Town Hall recordings!
Big Sky 55+ is committed to helping you make an impact for our beloved Montana.
We send timely action alerts as bills are heard in committees or face important floor action.
Look for weekly bulletins like this one to stay updated on current bills and hearings.
Check out our social media: Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram
Please fill out this Volunteer Interest Form, and let us know what legislative areas and volunteer activities you're interested in.
Click here to learn where Big Sky 55+ stands on Montana's important issues.
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