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State Legislators Deserve Praise for their Dedication to Older Montanans 

Posted on 03/18/25

By Sandy Bailey, AARP Montana Volunteer State President

On behalf of AARP Montana, its 134,000 members, as well as all 50+ Montanans, I want to thank all legislators for their service and dedication, regardless of political affiliation. Each legislative session, our legislators leave their families, businesses, places of work and communities for 90 days to serve their Montana constituents who voted them into office. 

As we pass the midpoint of the 2025 Montana state legislative session, I am particularly grateful for their work on issues that impact older Montanans, like property tax relief. There are several bills that are advancing through the legislative process which would provide much needed relief, we will continue to support those efforts. 

Additionally, I appreciate the legislature’s work to renew Medicaid Expansion (HB 245), ensuring affordable health care for 81,000 Montanans, including 18,550 ages 50 to 64. The bill has already passed the legislature and is waiting for the Governor’s signature. 

Legislators are also considering a $4 million funding increase in the state budget for Montana’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) which are on the front lines of providing high-quality services to Montanans 60+, yet they haven’t had an increase in their state funding since 2016. 

In the remaining weeks of the session, I urge legislators to support measures that benefit Montanans age 50+, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid costly nursing homes. This includes timelier Medicaid home and community-based services (SB 72), expanding healthcare provider options through interstate compacts, protecting against financial exploitation, and addressing Social Security income taxation. 

Please join me in thanking our legislators for their service. 

This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the AARP Montana page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

AARP Events for Helena

AARP Events for Helena

• CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort

  Thursday, Mar 20, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. MT

  Zoom

  Online Event

• AARP Smart Driver™: The Community Room

  Monday, Apr 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. MT

  The Community Room

  Helena, MT

• AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25

  Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. MT

  Online Event

View All AARP Events

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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">State Legislators Deserve Praise for their Dedication to Older Montanans </h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 03/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>By Sandy Bailey, AARP Montana Volunteer State President</i></b><br><br>On behalf of AARP Montana, its 134,000 members, as well as all 50+ Montanans, I want to thank all legislators for their service and dedication, regardless of political affiliation. Each legislative session, our legislators leave their families, businesses, places of work and communities for 90 days to serve their Montana constituents who voted them into office.&nbsp;<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>As we pass the midpoint of the 2025 Montana state legislative session, I am particularly grateful for their work on issues that impact older Montanans, like property tax relief. There are several bills that are advancing through the legislative process which would provide much needed relief, we will continue to support those efforts.&nbsp;<br><br>Additionally, I appreciate the legislature’s work to renew Medicaid Expansion (HB 245), ensuring affordable health care for 81,000 Montanans, including 18,550 ages 50 to 64. The bill has already passed the legislature and is waiting for the Governor’s signature.&nbsp;<br><br>Legislators are also considering a $4 million funding increase in the state budget for Montana’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) which are on the front lines of providing high-quality services to Montanans 60+, yet they haven’t had an increase in their state funding since 2016.&nbsp;<br><br>In the remaining weeks of the session, I urge legislators to support measures that benefit Montanans age 50+, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid costly nursing homes. This includes timelier Medicaid home and community-based services (SB 72), expanding healthcare provider options through interstate compacts, protecting against financial exploitation, and addressing Social Security income taxation.&nbsp;<br><br>Please join me in thanking our legislators for their service.&nbsp;<br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Helena</h2>
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">State Legislators Deserve Praise for their Dedication to Older Montanans </h1></header>	
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				Posted on 03/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>By Sandy Bailey, AARP Montana Volunteer State President</i></b><br><br>On behalf of AARP Montana, its 134,000 members, as well as all 50+ Montanans, I want to thank all legislators for their service and dedication, regardless of political affiliation. Each legislative session, our legislators leave their families, businesses, places of work and communities for 90 days to serve their Montana constituents who voted them into office.&nbsp;<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>As we pass the midpoint of the 2025 Montana state legislative session, I am particularly grateful for their work on issues that impact older Montanans, like property tax relief. There are several bills that are advancing through the legislative process which would provide much needed relief, we will continue to support those efforts.&nbsp;<br><br>Additionally, I appreciate the legislature’s work to renew Medicaid Expansion (HB 245), ensuring affordable health care for 81,000 Montanans, including 18,550 ages 50 to 64. The bill has already passed the legislature and is waiting for the Governor’s signature.&nbsp;<br><br>Legislators are also considering a $4 million funding increase in the state budget for Montana’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) which are on the front lines of providing high-quality services to Montanans 60+, yet they haven’t had an increase in their state funding since 2016.&nbsp;<br><br>In the remaining weeks of the session, I urge legislators to support measures that benefit Montanans age 50+, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid costly nursing homes. This includes timelier Medicaid home and community-based services (SB 72), expanding healthcare provider options through interstate compacts, protecting against financial exploitation, and addressing Social Security income taxation.&nbsp;<br><br>Please join me in thanking our legislators for their service.&nbsp;<br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">State Legislators Deserve Praise for their Dedication to Older Montanans </h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 03/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>By Sandy Bailey, AARP Montana Volunteer State President</i></b><br><br>On behalf of AARP Montana, its 134,000 members, as well as all 50+ Montanans, I want to thank all legislators for their service and dedication, regardless of political affiliation. Each legislative session, our legislators leave their families, businesses, places of work and communities for 90 days to serve their Montana constituents who voted them into office.&nbsp;<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>As we pass the midpoint of the 2025 Montana state legislative session, I am particularly grateful for their work on issues that impact older Montanans, like property tax relief. There are several bills that are advancing through the legislative process which would provide much needed relief, we will continue to support those efforts.&nbsp;<br><br>Additionally, I appreciate the legislature’s work to renew Medicaid Expansion (HB 245), ensuring affordable health care for 81,000 Montanans, including 18,550 ages 50 to 64. The bill has already passed the legislature and is waiting for the Governor’s signature.&nbsp;<br><br>Legislators are also considering a $4 million funding increase in the state budget for Montana’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) which are on the front lines of providing high-quality services to Montanans 60+, yet they haven’t had an increase in their state funding since 2016.&nbsp;<br><br>In the remaining weeks of the session, I urge legislators to support measures that benefit Montanans age 50+, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid costly nursing homes. This includes timelier Medicaid home and community-based services (SB 72), expanding healthcare provider options through interstate compacts, protecting against financial exploitation, and addressing Social Security income taxation.&nbsp;<br><br>Please join me in thanking our legislators for their service.&nbsp;<br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">State Legislators Deserve Praise for their Dedication to Older Montanans </h1></header>	
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				Posted on 03/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>By Sandy Bailey, AARP Montana Volunteer State President</i></b><br><br>On behalf of AARP Montana, its 134,000 members, as well as all 50+ Montanans, I want to thank all legislators for their service and dedication, regardless of political affiliation. Each legislative session, our legislators leave their families, businesses, places of work and communities for 90 days to serve their Montana constituents who voted them into office.&nbsp;<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>As we pass the midpoint of the 2025 Montana state legislative session, I am particularly grateful for their work on issues that impact older Montanans, like property tax relief. There are several bills that are advancing through the legislative process which would provide much needed relief, we will continue to support those efforts.&nbsp;<br><br>Additionally, I appreciate the legislature’s work to renew Medicaid Expansion (HB 245), ensuring affordable health care for 81,000 Montanans, including 18,550 ages 50 to 64. The bill has already passed the legislature and is waiting for the Governor’s signature.&nbsp;<br><br>Legislators are also considering a $4 million funding increase in the state budget for Montana’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) which are on the front lines of providing high-quality services to Montanans 60+, yet they haven’t had an increase in their state funding since 2016.&nbsp;<br><br>In the remaining weeks of the session, I urge legislators to support measures that benefit Montanans age 50+, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid costly nursing homes. This includes timelier Medicaid home and community-based services (SB 72), expanding healthcare provider options through interstate compacts, protecting against financial exploitation, and addressing Social Security income taxation.&nbsp;<br><br>Please join me in thanking our legislators for their service.&nbsp;<br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">State Legislators Deserve Praise for their Dedication to Older Montanans </h1></header>	
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				Posted on 03/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>By Sandy Bailey, AARP Montana Volunteer State President</i></b><br><br>On behalf of AARP Montana, its 134,000 members, as well as all 50+ Montanans, I want to thank all legislators for their service and dedication, regardless of political affiliation. Each legislative session, our legislators leave their families, businesses, places of work and communities for 90 days to serve their Montana constituents who voted them into office.&nbsp;<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>As we pass the midpoint of the 2025 Montana state legislative session, I am particularly grateful for their work on issues that impact older Montanans, like property tax relief. There are several bills that are advancing through the legislative process which would provide much needed relief, we will continue to support those efforts.&nbsp;<br><br>Additionally, I appreciate the legislature’s work to renew Medicaid Expansion (HB 245), ensuring affordable health care for 81,000 Montanans, including 18,550 ages 50 to 64. The bill has already passed the legislature and is waiting for the Governor’s signature.&nbsp;<br><br>Legislators are also considering a $4 million funding increase in the state budget for Montana’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) which are on the front lines of providing high-quality services to Montanans 60+, yet they haven’t had an increase in their state funding since 2016.&nbsp;<br><br>In the remaining weeks of the session, I urge legislators to support measures that benefit Montanans age 50+, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid costly nursing homes. This includes timelier Medicaid home and community-based services (SB 72), expanding healthcare provider options through interstate compacts, protecting against financial exploitation, and addressing Social Security income taxation.&nbsp;<br><br>Please join me in thanking our legislators for their service.&nbsp;<br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">State Legislators Deserve Praise for their Dedication to Older Montanans </h1></header>	
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				Posted on 03/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>By Sandy Bailey, AARP Montana Volunteer State President</i></b><br><br>On behalf of AARP Montana, its 134,000 members, as well as all 50+ Montanans, I want to thank all legislators for their service and dedication, regardless of political affiliation. Each legislative session, our legislators leave their families, businesses, places of work and communities for 90 days to serve their Montana constituents who voted them into office.&nbsp;<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>As we pass the midpoint of the 2025 Montana state legislative session, I am particularly grateful for their work on issues that impact older Montanans, like property tax relief. There are several bills that are advancing through the legislative process which would provide much needed relief, we will continue to support those efforts.&nbsp;<br><br>Additionally, I appreciate the legislature’s work to renew Medicaid Expansion (HB 245), ensuring affordable health care for 81,000 Montanans, including 18,550 ages 50 to 64. The bill has already passed the legislature and is waiting for the Governor’s signature.&nbsp;<br><br>Legislators are also considering a $4 million funding increase in the state budget for Montana’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) which are on the front lines of providing high-quality services to Montanans 60+, yet they haven’t had an increase in their state funding since 2016.&nbsp;<br><br>In the remaining weeks of the session, I urge legislators to support measures that benefit Montanans age 50+, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid costly nursing homes. This includes timelier Medicaid home and community-based services (SB 72), expanding healthcare provider options through interstate compacts, protecting against financial exploitation, and addressing Social Security income taxation.&nbsp;<br><br>Please join me in thanking our legislators for their service.&nbsp;<br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">State Legislators Deserve Praise for their Dedication to Older Montanans </h1></header>	
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				Posted on 03/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>By Sandy Bailey, AARP Montana Volunteer State President</i></b><br><br>On behalf of AARP Montana, its 134,000 members, as well as all 50+ Montanans, I want to thank all legislators for their service and dedication, regardless of political affiliation. Each legislative session, our legislators leave their families, businesses, places of work and communities for 90 days to serve their Montana constituents who voted them into office.&nbsp;<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>As we pass the midpoint of the 2025 Montana state legislative session, I am particularly grateful for their work on issues that impact older Montanans, like property tax relief. There are several bills that are advancing through the legislative process which would provide much needed relief, we will continue to support those efforts.&nbsp;<br><br>Additionally, I appreciate the legislature’s work to renew Medicaid Expansion (HB 245), ensuring affordable health care for 81,000 Montanans, including 18,550 ages 50 to 64. The bill has already passed the legislature and is waiting for the Governor’s signature.&nbsp;<br><br>Legislators are also considering a $4 million funding increase in the state budget for Montana’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) which are on the front lines of providing high-quality services to Montanans 60+, yet they haven’t had an increase in their state funding since 2016.&nbsp;<br><br>In the remaining weeks of the session, I urge legislators to support measures that benefit Montanans age 50+, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid costly nursing homes. This includes timelier Medicaid home and community-based services (SB 72), expanding healthcare provider options through interstate compacts, protecting against financial exploitation, and addressing Social Security income taxation.&nbsp;<br><br>Please join me in thanking our legislators for their service.&nbsp;<br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">State Legislators Deserve Praise for their Dedication to Older Montanans </h1></header>	
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				Posted on 03/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>By Sandy Bailey, AARP Montana Volunteer State President</i></b><br><br>On behalf of AARP Montana, its 134,000 members, as well as all 50+ Montanans, I want to thank all legislators for their service and dedication, regardless of political affiliation. Each legislative session, our legislators leave their families, businesses, places of work and communities for 90 days to serve their Montana constituents who voted them into office.&nbsp;<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>As we pass the midpoint of the 2025 Montana state legislative session, I am particularly grateful for their work on issues that impact older Montanans, like property tax relief. There are several bills that are advancing through the legislative process which would provide much needed relief, we will continue to support those efforts.&nbsp;<br><br>Additionally, I appreciate the legislature’s work to renew Medicaid Expansion (HB 245), ensuring affordable health care for 81,000 Montanans, including 18,550 ages 50 to 64. The bill has already passed the legislature and is waiting for the Governor’s signature.&nbsp;<br><br>Legislators are also considering a $4 million funding increase in the state budget for Montana’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) which are on the front lines of providing high-quality services to Montanans 60+, yet they haven’t had an increase in their state funding since 2016.&nbsp;<br><br>In the remaining weeks of the session, I urge legislators to support measures that benefit Montanans age 50+, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid costly nursing homes. This includes timelier Medicaid home and community-based services (SB 72), expanding healthcare provider options through interstate compacts, protecting against financial exploitation, and addressing Social Security income taxation.&nbsp;<br><br>Please join me in thanking our legislators for their service.&nbsp;<br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">State Legislators Deserve Praise for their Dedication to Older Montanans </h1></header>	
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				Posted on 03/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>By Sandy Bailey, AARP Montana Volunteer State President</i></b><br><br>On behalf of AARP Montana, its 134,000 members, as well as all 50+ Montanans, I want to thank all legislators for their service and dedication, regardless of political affiliation. Each legislative session, our legislators leave their families, businesses, places of work and communities for 90 days to serve their Montana constituents who voted them into office.&nbsp;<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>As we pass the midpoint of the 2025 Montana state legislative session, I am particularly grateful for their work on issues that impact older Montanans, like property tax relief. There are several bills that are advancing through the legislative process which would provide much needed relief, we will continue to support those efforts.&nbsp;<br><br>Additionally, I appreciate the legislature’s work to renew Medicaid Expansion (HB 245), ensuring affordable health care for 81,000 Montanans, including 18,550 ages 50 to 64. The bill has already passed the legislature and is waiting for the Governor’s signature.&nbsp;<br><br>Legislators are also considering a $4 million funding increase in the state budget for Montana’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) which are on the front lines of providing high-quality services to Montanans 60+, yet they haven’t had an increase in their state funding since 2016.&nbsp;<br><br>In the remaining weeks of the session, I urge legislators to support measures that benefit Montanans age 50+, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid costly nursing homes. This includes timelier Medicaid home and community-based services (SB 72), expanding healthcare provider options through interstate compacts, protecting against financial exploitation, and addressing Social Security income taxation.&nbsp;<br><br>Please join me in thanking our legislators for their service.&nbsp;<br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Helena</h2>
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	<div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div>
<br />
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This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
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		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HELENA-MT">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HELENA-MT">Renew</a> or 
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<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Helena</h2>
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">State Legislators Deserve Praise for their Dedication to Older Montanans </h1></header>	
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				Posted on 03/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>By Sandy Bailey, AARP Montana Volunteer State President</i></b><br><br>On behalf of AARP Montana, its 134,000 members, as well as all 50+ Montanans, I want to thank all legislators for their service and dedication, regardless of political affiliation. Each legislative session, our legislators leave their families, businesses, places of work and communities for 90 days to serve their Montana constituents who voted them into office.&nbsp;<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>As we pass the midpoint of the 2025 Montana state legislative session, I am particularly grateful for their work on issues that impact older Montanans, like property tax relief. There are several bills that are advancing through the legislative process which would provide much needed relief, we will continue to support those efforts.&nbsp;<br><br>Additionally, I appreciate the legislature’s work to renew Medicaid Expansion (HB 245), ensuring affordable health care for 81,000 Montanans, including 18,550 ages 50 to 64. The bill has already passed the legislature and is waiting for the Governor’s signature.&nbsp;<br><br>Legislators are also considering a $4 million funding increase in the state budget for Montana’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) which are on the front lines of providing high-quality services to Montanans 60+, yet they haven’t had an increase in their state funding since 2016.&nbsp;<br><br>In the remaining weeks of the session, I urge legislators to support measures that benefit Montanans age 50+, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid costly nursing homes. This includes timelier Medicaid home and community-based services (SB 72), expanding healthcare provider options through interstate compacts, protecting against financial exploitation, and addressing Social Security income taxation.&nbsp;<br><br>Please join me in thanking our legislators for their service.&nbsp;<br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">State Legislators Deserve Praise for their Dedication to Older Montanans </h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 03/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>By Sandy Bailey, AARP Montana Volunteer State President</i></b><br><br>On behalf of AARP Montana, its 134,000 members, as well as all 50+ Montanans, I want to thank all legislators for their service and dedication, regardless of political affiliation. Each legislative session, our legislators leave their families, businesses, places of work and communities for 90 days to serve their Montana constituents who voted them into office.&nbsp;<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>As we pass the midpoint of the 2025 Montana state legislative session, I am particularly grateful for their work on issues that impact older Montanans, like property tax relief. There are several bills that are advancing through the legislative process which would provide much needed relief, we will continue to support those efforts.&nbsp;<br><br>Additionally, I appreciate the legislature’s work to renew Medicaid Expansion (HB 245), ensuring affordable health care for 81,000 Montanans, including 18,550 ages 50 to 64. The bill has already passed the legislature and is waiting for the Governor’s signature.&nbsp;<br><br>Legislators are also considering a $4 million funding increase in the state budget for Montana’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) which are on the front lines of providing high-quality services to Montanans 60+, yet they haven’t had an increase in their state funding since 2016.&nbsp;<br><br>In the remaining weeks of the session, I urge legislators to support measures that benefit Montanans age 50+, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid costly nursing homes. This includes timelier Medicaid home and community-based services (SB 72), expanding healthcare provider options through interstate compacts, protecting against financial exploitation, and addressing Social Security income taxation.&nbsp;<br><br>Please join me in thanking our legislators for their service.&nbsp;<br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">State Legislators Deserve Praise for their Dedication to Older Montanans </h1></header>	
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				Posted on 03/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>By Sandy Bailey, AARP Montana Volunteer State President</i></b><br><br>On behalf of AARP Montana, its 134,000 members, as well as all 50+ Montanans, I want to thank all legislators for their service and dedication, regardless of political affiliation. Each legislative session, our legislators leave their families, businesses, places of work and communities for 90 days to serve their Montana constituents who voted them into office.&nbsp;<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>As we pass the midpoint of the 2025 Montana state legislative session, I am particularly grateful for their work on issues that impact older Montanans, like property tax relief. There are several bills that are advancing through the legislative process which would provide much needed relief, we will continue to support those efforts.&nbsp;<br><br>Additionally, I appreciate the legislature’s work to renew Medicaid Expansion (HB 245), ensuring affordable health care for 81,000 Montanans, including 18,550 ages 50 to 64. The bill has already passed the legislature and is waiting for the Governor’s signature.&nbsp;<br><br>Legislators are also considering a $4 million funding increase in the state budget for Montana’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) which are on the front lines of providing high-quality services to Montanans 60+, yet they haven’t had an increase in their state funding since 2016.&nbsp;<br><br>In the remaining weeks of the session, I urge legislators to support measures that benefit Montanans age 50+, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid costly nursing homes. This includes timelier Medicaid home and community-based services (SB 72), expanding healthcare provider options through interstate compacts, protecting against financial exploitation, and addressing Social Security income taxation.&nbsp;<br><br>Please join me in thanking our legislators for their service.&nbsp;<br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Helena</h2>
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<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MTAARP@aarp.org </a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Montana</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-montana/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HELENA-MT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmontana" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a>



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