September’s interim committee meetings brought a few pieces of key information about issues we are tracking in Montana. In the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) budget meeting, staff told legislators they were likely to need an additional forty to fifty staff in order to enact the requirements in H.R. 1 pertaining to Medicaid. Other…Read More…

As we head into fall, there is speculation that the Governor will call a special session. If called it will be focused on dealing with the impact of federal budget cuts . The Heart Association is ready to show strong support for protecting Medicaid and SNAP programs and we will be in touch if we…Read More…

The Legislature is expected to hold a special session in November, focused around budgets, a possible crime bill, and Medicaid changes that will impact services and budgets. These negotiations will take place as the Governor negotiates his priorities with Democrat leadership in the Legislature. Making this extra complicated is the fact that the top three…Read More…

As we head into fall we are focused on two issue: State Legislative Joint Finance & Appropriations Committee will be holding fall budget meetings. We are watching state agencies adjust to the Governor’s request for 3% reduced spending in the current fiscal year. This includes cuts in Health & Welfare budgets like Medicaid. We are…Read More…

On September 25, the rain did not stop advocates from the American Heart Association and Korean Community Services as they gathered at City Hall to advocate for the passage of INT 1152, a bill that would restrict the sale of menthol-flavored tobacco and e-cigarettes in New York City. Menthol is the most common product used…Read More…

Access to healthy drinking water is essential for heart health. Drinking enough water keeps the body hydrated, which helps the heart more easily pump blood through the body. It also helps muscles work efficiently. If you’re well hydrated, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard. We are happy to announce that a new law…Read More…

All DC kids should have access to healthy meals so that they can be fed for success. Unfortunately, there are kids in DC schools who don’t have access to healthy breakfast or lunch. That’s why we must support Universal School Meals. This common-sense policy would ensure that every public and charter school student in the District…Read More…

Every child deserves all the tools available to help them learn, including access to healthy foods. Unfortunately, 1 in 8 children in the US are food insecure, meaning they don’t always have access to a healthy breakfast or lunch. Think back to the last time you skipped a meal. Did you feel focused and ready…Read More…

Did you know that most employees in the US don’t have access to paid family and medical leave? That means that if something happens to them or someone they care for, they can be left having to choose between a paycheck or their health. Many people have to make these difficult decisions and when it…Read More…