Sanders County Dems Picnic in the Park
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Jacinda Morigeau's answers:
1. Do you support continuing Medicaid expansion and why?
Yes, I support continuing Medicaid expansion for several reasons. First and foremost, it plays a crucial role in providing access to health care for Montanans, especially in light of the recent loss of Medicaid coverage for over 125,000 individuals, including vulnerable populations such as children and Native people. The fact that nearly 65% of those who lost coverage did so due to paperwork or system errors underscores the need for improved outreach and enrollment processes, which Medicaid expansion can help facilitate.
Additionally, renewing the Montana Medicaid program in 2025 and closing the coverage gap is vital to ensure that no Montanan is left behind. By expanding Medicaid, we can prioritize preventive care initiatives that not only improve individual health outcomes but also contribute to the overall health of our communities.
Supporting Medicaid expansion is both a compassionate and pragmatic approach to addressing the health care needs of our state, promoting equity, and investing in the well-being of all Montanans.
2. What is one of top issues voters are talking to you about and what are your ideas for addressing the issue?
One of the top issues voters are discussing with me is abortion and reproductive rights, which includes concerns about access to services such as abortion and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Many constituents feel strongly about their reproductive choices and the need for comprehensive access to reproductive healthcare.
I will advocate for policies that protect and expand access to safe and legal abortion services, including:
3. How do you plan to communicate with your constituents while serving at the legislature?
Communicating effectively with constituents while serving in the legislature is essential for transparency and accountability. I will actively use social media platforms to communicate with constituents, sharing information about my work in the legislature, upcoming events, and important legislative issues. I’ll also encourage constituents to reach out with their thoughts, comments, and concerns. I will prioritize responding to messages, emails, and calls from constituents promptly. Building a responsive office culture will help foster trust and connection with the community.
4. If elected, what would be your priority?
If elected, my top priority will be to ensure that all Montanans have equitable access to quality healthcare, with a particular focus on renewing and strengthening the Montana Medicaid program. As we approach the 2025 renewal, I will lead efforts to advocate for the continuation and enhancement of the Medicaid program. Ensuring that this crucial health coverage remains intact for our most vulnerable populations is paramount. I am committed to working towards legislative solutions that close the Medicaid coverage gap. This includes promoting outreach programs and ensuring that every Montanan, regardless of income, has access to necessary health services. The recent loss of coverage, especially among children and Native populations, highlights the urgent need for reform. I support initiatives aimed at increasing access to preventive care services. By focusing on preventive measures, we can reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve community health outcomes. This includes expanding access to screenings, vaccinations, and health education programs.
While health care is my priority, I am equally committed to addressing other pressing issues. I will champion policies that promote mixed-income communities, increase housing supply, and advocate for financial assistance programs that make housing more attainable. Addressing housing affordability is crucial for the well-being of families and the stability of our communities. I will fight for fully funded public K-12 schools and advocate for accessible higher education options, ensuring that every child in Montana has the opportunity to thrive academically. I will stand up for reproductive rights, advocating for individuals' freedom to make their own health care decisions without external interference, thereby protecting privacy and autonomy as enshrined in the Montana Constitution.I will collaborate with sovereign tribal nations and work to protect the Montana Constitution.
1. Do you support continuing Medicaid expansion and why?
Yes, I support continuing Medicaid expansion for several reasons. First and foremost, it plays a crucial role in providing access to health care for Montanans, especially in light of the recent loss of Medicaid coverage for over 125,000 individuals, including vulnerable populations such as children and Native people. The fact that nearly 65% of those who lost coverage did so due to paperwork or system errors underscores the need for improved outreach and enrollment processes, which Medicaid expansion can help facilitate.
Additionally, renewing the Montana Medicaid program in 2025 and closing the coverage gap is vital to ensure that no Montanan is left behind. By expanding Medicaid, we can prioritize preventive care initiatives that not only improve individual health outcomes but also contribute to the overall health of our communities.
Supporting Medicaid expansion is both a compassionate and pragmatic approach to addressing the health care needs of our state, promoting equity, and investing in the well-being of all Montanans.
2. What is one of top issues voters are talking to you about and what are your ideas for addressing the issue?
One of the top issues voters are discussing with me is abortion and reproductive rights, which includes concerns about access to services such as abortion and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Many constituents feel strongly about their reproductive choices and the need for comprehensive access to reproductive healthcare.
I will advocate for policies that protect and expand access to safe and legal abortion services, including:
- Supporting state legislation that upholds Roe v. Wade principles, ensuring that individuals have the right to make informed decisions about their reproductive health without unnecessary barriers.
- Funding for reproductive health clinics to ensure that they can remain open and provide essential services to individuals, particularly in underserved areas.
- Implementing comprehensive sex education programs in schools that include information on reproductive rights, contraception, and family planning.
- Providing resources for adults and families to understand reproductive health options, including information on IVF, adoption, and prenatal care.
3. How do you plan to communicate with your constituents while serving at the legislature?
Communicating effectively with constituents while serving in the legislature is essential for transparency and accountability. I will actively use social media platforms to communicate with constituents, sharing information about my work in the legislature, upcoming events, and important legislative issues. I’ll also encourage constituents to reach out with their thoughts, comments, and concerns. I will prioritize responding to messages, emails, and calls from constituents promptly. Building a responsive office culture will help foster trust and connection with the community.
4. If elected, what would be your priority?
If elected, my top priority will be to ensure that all Montanans have equitable access to quality healthcare, with a particular focus on renewing and strengthening the Montana Medicaid program. As we approach the 2025 renewal, I will lead efforts to advocate for the continuation and enhancement of the Medicaid program. Ensuring that this crucial health coverage remains intact for our most vulnerable populations is paramount. I am committed to working towards legislative solutions that close the Medicaid coverage gap. This includes promoting outreach programs and ensuring that every Montanan, regardless of income, has access to necessary health services. The recent loss of coverage, especially among children and Native populations, highlights the urgent need for reform. I support initiatives aimed at increasing access to preventive care services. By focusing on preventive measures, we can reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve community health outcomes. This includes expanding access to screenings, vaccinations, and health education programs.
While health care is my priority, I am equally committed to addressing other pressing issues. I will champion policies that promote mixed-income communities, increase housing supply, and advocate for financial assistance programs that make housing more attainable. Addressing housing affordability is crucial for the well-being of families and the stability of our communities. I will fight for fully funded public K-12 schools and advocate for accessible higher education options, ensuring that every child in Montana has the opportunity to thrive academically. I will stand up for reproductive rights, advocating for individuals' freedom to make their own health care decisions without external interference, thereby protecting privacy and autonomy as enshrined in the Montana Constitution.I will collaborate with sovereign tribal nations and work to protect the Montana Constitution.