NEWS: BIG SKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENDORSES I-185, THE HEALTHY MONTANA INITIATIVE
(Big Sky, Mont.) – The Big Sky Chamber of Commerce today announced its official endorsement of I-185, the Healthy Montana Initiative. Serving as the voice of Big Sky business since 1986 on behalf of its more than 400 diverse members, the Big Sky Chamber champions a healthy economy and works collaboratively with community stakeholders as a catalyst to improve the overall quality of life in the region.
“After thoughtful review of I-185, it’s clear that this initiative will continue creating jobs, saving the state money on healthcare costs and providing an important lifeline to rural hospitals. It’s important that we as local chambers speak up on behalf of our members on this vital citizen’s initiative. Smoking costs Montana businesses $368.9 million annually in lost productivity – I-185 is one way to curb that by investing in a healthier workforce and healthier communities,” said Candace Carr Strauss, Big Sky Chamber of Commerce CEO.
I-185 will fully fund Medicaid expansion in Montana while also providing funds for tobacco cessation programs and veterans services such as suicide prevention.
A recent Bureau of Business and Economic Research economic analysis of Medicaid expansion in Montana shows it has infused more than $500 million into Montana’s economy while reducing state spending to the tune of more than $40 million to date. The report details very clearly that Medicaid expansion in Montana has:
1) Reduced medical debts,
2) Prevented bankruptcies,
3) Improved credit scores among working families.
Fewer Montanans are going into bankruptcy because of a medical emergency and are able to continue working thanks to Medicaid expansion.
The opposition to I-185 is funded almost entirely by the global parent corporations of some of the world’s largest tobacco companies. The Montana Commissioner of Political Practices just ruled those companies have been violating Montana campaign finance laws in their effort to oppose I-185.
Increasing the state cigarette tax by $2 per pack will:
– Decrease youth smoking rates by 20.6%,
– Prevent 8,000 Montana kids from becoming adult smokers, and
– Help 9,300 adults quit smoking.
Learn more about I-185 at www.healthymontana.org.
About the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce
The Big Sky Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) non-profit membership organization serving the greater Big Sky Resort Area District and its more than 400 member businesses throughout Gallatin and Madison counties. Working to Elevate Big Sky 2023, the Big Sky Chamber focuses on Advocating for its Members as the VOICE of Big Sky Business, Creating a Positive Business Climate, Encouraging Community Infrastructure Investment, and Facilitating Local Governance. Our Community. Our Business. To find out more about the Big Sky Chamber, go to http://bigskychamber.com.
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