Boy, was I excited when I read the headline in our local newspaper “Big Sky Health Plan is a Montana Answer.” Reading further, I found out that it’s a Republican proposal that will carefully utilize limited federal funds that have been previously wasted. This in contrast to those important disbursements needed to assist military budgets, agriculture subsidies and payouts to private industries.
Let’s take a look at the makeup of the select committee responsible for this program. I’m sure most members have strong backgrounds in healthcare planning, the military and community mental health services (areas of concern in the two year study conducted by the committee).
• Sen. Fred Thomas – Chair of Senate Health & Human Services Committee: insurance salesman and change agent for improving state energy efficiency (helped dismantle Montana Power).
• Rep. Art Wittich – Chair of the same committee on the House side: lawyer.
• Rep. Nancy Ballance – Chair of House Appropriations: retired executive (NRA?).
• Rep. Ron Ehli – businessman and fireman.
• Sen. Cary Smith – State Majority Whip: manager at Sears.
• Sen. Matt Rosendale – Senate Majority leader: Maryland Realtor, Eastern Montana rancher and occasional political skeet shooter.
These folks have really put together a fine product for Montana families without health insurance and incomes under $16,000 a year. A physician friend of mine, who is working on improving healthcare accessibility for needy Montana residents, said it best with the comment “it’s too bad that with these particular Republicans, ideology trumps prudence, humility and common sense.” Keep up the good work select committee.
Jim Hamilton
Florence