Lie:
“I-185 leaves a $34 million permanent unfunded mandate that all Montanans have to pay for.” -Big Tobacco funded ads
Facts:
Once again, Big Tobacco is lying to Montanans. I-185 is fully funded by increasing the state tobacco tax for the first time in 13 years along with savings from Medicaid expansion and premiums. The independent Office of Budget and Program Planning (OBPP) shows that revenue from raising the state tax on tobacco products will ensure healthcare isn’t taken away from thousands of Montana families and veterans. The OBPP is the one entity charged with assessing the budget impact for I-185 and any initiative or new law. They found that I-185 will raise $72 million in fiscal year 2020 and up to $74 million in fiscal year 2023. One of Big Tobacco’s favorite lie is that I-185 is some sort of an unfunded mandate. Not true. Medicaid expansion will pay for itself through state savings and the funds raised by I-185.
Here’s the breakdown:
- $120m state’s share of Medicaid expansion
- $52m in new revenue from tobacco tax dedicated for Medicaid expansion. And if you don’t smoke, you don’t pay
- $70m in savings from Medicaid expansion and revenue from premiums paid for health coverage1
Lie:
“Businesses oppose I-185.”
-Big Tobacco-funded Ads
Facts:
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.2 That’s part of the reason why I-185 enjoys wide support among the business community and has been endorsed by:3
- Big Sky Chamber of Commerce
- Billings Chamber of Commerce
- Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce
- Butte Silverbow Chamber of Commerce
- Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
- Helena Area Chamber of Commerce
- Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
- Liberty County Chamber of Commerce
- Whitefish Chamber of Commerce