The government shutdown is affecting all workers across Montana and a solution is needed now. This is a chance for Montana’s Congressional delegation to stand up for working Montanans, fight for the health of our families, and fund the critical public services that keep our economy moving. 

 

Throughout this shutdown federal workers in Montana are fighting for critical public services that ensure the health, safety, and well being of our communities. Through their work ensuring public lands are maintained, fighting forest fires, processing Social Security checks, and landing planes safely, Montana’s federal workers are at the forefront of keeping our economies moving and our families’ livelihoods secure. 

 

Prioritizing tax breaks for the wealthy over the health and well being of our communities is not the answer. This is a chance for our elected officials to do their jobs, put Montanans first, fund the government, and protect our healthcare. 

 

• Thousands of workers who provide essential public services that keep our economy moving are being furloughed across Montana, including Social Security workers, VA employees, and forest service workers. 

• More than 400 workers with the Forest Service have been furloughed, most making less than $20/hr

• Air traffic controllers are being forced to work without pay while already understaffed

 

ACA tax credits need to be renewed by November 1. For every day the government does not extend or make permanent the Healthcare tax subsidies, future healthcare costs will increase for workers and their families across Montana. 

 

• More than 47,000 Montanans who rely on Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage will face premium hikes of up to $5,900 a year and over 7,000 people could lose coverage entirely. 

• In rural areas, older couples could see increases nearing $20,000. That’s not just a number—it’s the difference between getting treatment or going without.

• As millions lose coverage because of the cuts to Medicaid and the ACA price hikes, everyone will be forced to pay more for health care. 

• Nearly 70% of our hospitals are rural, and without coverage, Hospitals and clinics will absorb and pass along billions in unpaid care costs, driving up premiums for everyone––whether you get your insurance coverage through work or the ACA marketplace.

 

It’s time to fund the government, fix the healthcare crisis and put working people first!