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MEEt Denise
I’m running for re-election to the Montana House of Representatives in House District 45. I’ve proudly served the City of Billings as a law-enforcement officer for 20 years, with the last 15 years as a detective primarily investigating crimes against children.
As a detective, I have a close working relationship with Child Protective Services (CPS) and many other programs funded by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). I am in awe of the dedicated employees of CPS and honored to work with them to help ensure that victims of crime, especially children, receive the services they need and deserve.
However, CPS and other divisions and services within DHHPS are continually asked to do more with less funding year after year, even as crime rates and mental health needs surpass critical stages.
We are approaching a decisive moment where the 2025 Legislature must step up and vote for Medicaid expansion to ensure the continuation of health care coverage for Montanans. This is especially vital on the heels of redetermination, which dropped over 100,000 Montanans, a quarter of which are children, from Medicaid coverage.
Respect for our guiding principals and values as contained in the Montana State Constitution cannot be taken for granted. A legislator should defend the rights and protections afforded Montanans under our state constitution, not try to strip them away.
I am involved as a Billings Police Department detective and Boy Scout adult leader & Scout Merit Badge counselor, demonstrating volunteerism and service to others by leading youth in various community activities. A legislator needs to be engaged and actively involved in the community.
As a Billings Police detective primarily investigating crimes against children, I’m not afraid to ask the tough questions. A legislator must thoroughly research the issues in order to make balanced, fair decisions that work for the betterment of Montanans.
What We Can Do Together
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 starting with Medicaid expansion.
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.
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.
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