Democrats in the 2025 Montana Legislature are prioritizing the improvement of the state’s Medicaid expansion program. Last week, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte included Medicaid expansion in his budget proposal for the 2027 biennium, covering nearly 80,000 Montanans. Democratic lawmakers are aiming to make the program better, with a focus on helping seasonal workers maintain their insurance more easily. They also criticized recent income tax cuts, stating that they disproportionately benefit top earners.
The Democrats plan to offer targeted solutions that benefit working families, children, and the elderly, such as a child tax credit bill. Republicans have expressed concerns about the long-term costs of Medicaid expansion, but Democrats argue that it is a good deal for the economy and the health of Montanans. Supporters of Medicaid expansion cite its importance in preventing rural hospital closures. The upcoming legislative session is expected to focus on property taxes and Medicaid expansion as significant topics of debate.
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