NEWS: BILLINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENDORSES I-185, THE HEALTHY MONTANA INITIATIVE
Montana’s largest local chamber of commerce announces official support for I-185 as crucial to bolstering the Billings economy, quality of life
(Billings, Mont.) – The Billings Chamber of Commerce, Montana’s largest local chamber, announced its official endorsement of I-185, the Healthy Montana Initiative. The Billings Chamber is a non-profit, membership-driven organization comprised ofr nearly 1,300 members that represent diverse businesses from small family shops to real estate, technology and beyond.
“After looking at the economic benefits I-185 will bring to our state and business community, the Billings Chamber decided to support the initiative. I-185 will continue creating jobs and saving the state money on healthcare costs through our very successful Medicaid expansion,” said Daniel Brooks, Billings Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy Manager.
A recentBureau 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 lobbying arms of some of the world’s largest tobacco corporations and is currently under investigation by the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices.
Increasing the state cigarette tax by $2 per pack will:
- decrease youth smoking rates by 20.6 percent;
- 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 Billings Chamber of Commerce
The Billings Chamber of Commerce serves the greater Billings area. Our Vision is to achieve excellence in community leadership and growth. Our Mission is to develop a strong business climate and vibrant economy by serving the community in a leadership role thereby enhancing the quality of life.
The Billings Chamber is a non-profit, membership-driven organization comprised of nearly 1,300 members. Our membership consists of a vast profile of the Billings business community. It includes larger companies that have been in business for 100 years, entrepreneurs who are just opening their doors, sole proprietors like real estate agents and CPA’s, educational systems and every business niche in between. The Billings Chamber of Commerce provides leadership and networking opportunities to the entire Billings area. We work to help businesses and Billings succeed for the greater good of the community and for the future.
The Billings Chamber believes in supporting the Billings business community. The staff is a dedicated and professional team with a passion for our region. We work with the best in mind for Billings. Our three core functions are: Business Advocacy, promoting Billings as a preferred travel destination and membership services.
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