by Nancy Reece Jones, Stevensville
The evisceration of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency—not to mention all agencies affected by DOGE’s indiscriminate chain saw approach to cutbacks—has enormous ramifications for all Montanans. EPA’s core mission is to protect our health by enforcing federal laws that ensure clean air, land, and water. Hamstringing its ability to do so will have devastating effects upon our environment and, by extension, ourselves. DOGE’s slashes plus RFK Jr.’s direction are transforming HHS. According to the American Public Health Association, these changes promise to result in a rise of disease and death throughout the country. As substantial protections are eliminated, it’s a no-brainer that Montanans will receive fewer benefits and services (Medicare, anyone?). By rolling back protections regarding our health, we are turning back the clock. Needless to say, the administration’s grand scheme has nothing to do with the undeniably commendable goal of eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. If that were the case, the process of scaling down agencies would be achieved thoughtfully and pragmatically with knowledgeable people at the helm. What is happening now is a travesty that we’re all going to pay dearly for, sooner rather than later. Please take action if this concerns you!