Priority Issues I Denise Baum for Montana Legislature

Issues

Proper Funding for DPHHS

The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for a multitude of services that assist seniors and those with disabilities, along with early child intervention programs, mental health, Medicare and Medicaid programs and more. I will continue to prioritize legislation that supports these essential services and programs.

Prioritize Public Education

The needs of students must be the first and foremost consideration when establishing policy for our public school systems. Access to mental health services such as the Comprehensive School & Community Treatment (CSCT) program should be easier, not harder. I will continue to advocate for the resources teachers need to provide the quality education our students deserve.

Conservation & Public Lands

My love of the outdoors runs deep. Montana truly is the Last, Best Place and in order to preserve and protect our public lands we MUST remove the influence of special interests from our wildlife management decisions. I served on the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Committee in the 2023 session, and I will continue to advocate for ethical wildlife management and land conservation efforts to preserve access and enjoyment for generations to come.

MEDICAID EXPANSION

Medicaid expansion provides health care coverage for adults, ages 19-64, with incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level. Medicaid expansion has provided health care coverage for between 90,000 to 125,000 Montanans each year since 2019. Lawmakers in the 2025 legislative session must take action to lift the sunset before June of 2025 to ensure the continuation of Montanan’s program.

More information: bigskyfiftyfive.org OR montanabudget.org

WHY MEDICAID EXPANSION?

Improves health care for all Montanans.
Keeps Rural MT health care hospitals open for business by providing necessary services for their entire community.
Provides for greater access to preventative care and early screenings.
Helps small businesses retain workers by providing their employees with healthcare

Federal government pays 90% of the costs of expansion, while the state pays only 10%.
Uncompensated care costs for Critical Access Hospitals in MT dropped by more than a third
Infuses over $900 million in new federal spending into MT annually, creating economic activity, thus improving the healthcare Montana can offer.
Expansion creates 7,500 new jobs each year, and generates $475 million in personal income.

Proper Funding for DPHHS

Prioritize Public Education

Conservation & Public Lands

MEDICAID EXPANSION

WHY MEDICAID EXPANSION?

MY WORK IN THE 2023 Legislature

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