Republicans not listening to voters

On November 4th voters overwhelmingly passed ballot measure I-155 commonly known as Healthy Montana Kids plan. Healthy Montana Kids plan calls for the state legislature to increase the funding to insure 30,000 more children in Montana that have been unable to receive health coverage through House Bill 157.

Montanans agree that we must provide health insurance to Montana’s children from Yaak to Alzada and from Havre to Helena. I-155 advocates preventative health care, immunizations and treatment of common illnesses saving Montana money in the long run.

When the Healthy Kids of Montana ballot measure was presented to the voters of Montana it passed with over 70% of the vote. Former State Auditor John Morrison when asked about how the measure would fair in a closely divided house confidently said “All reasonable Republican’s will respect the will of the voters.”

Disappointingly, that conclusion was wrong!

In Hill and Blaine Counties you overwhelming supported the Healthy Montana Kid plan, and your voice was heard. In Hill County over 73% of you voted for this legislation. In Blaine County the number of supporters came in at over 77%.

I am committed to providing the necessary funds to fulfill the people of Montana’s initiative.

When Representative Chuck Hunter’s HB 157 came up for a vote on the House floor, forty out of the fifty Republican representatives voted against insuring the children of Montana, this includes Representative Warburton.

This is a blatant attempt by House Republicans to thwart the will of the voters and deprive Montanans children from health insurance.

Montana spoke, they wish to increase funding to insure up to 30,000 more disadvantaged children especially in such a time when job security is so unstable. The tragic failure of forty Republican legislators depriving voters like you of representation should not go unnoticed.

Will you stand by and allow Republican legislators once again to deny children of necessities at such a time when we need guaranteed insurance the most?

Please contact your local representatives in Helena and tell them why voters like me and you support the implementation of I-155. You can call and leave a message for a legislator at 406-444-4800. If there is anything I can do for you please call me at 406-444-4815.
Best,
Rep. Bob Bergren