The Montana Legislature is Underway and We Need Your Help
January 17, 2025
The Montana Legislative Session is in full swing. This week, NAMI Montana has been deeply engaged in advocacy around funding for Montana State Hospital and broad Medicaid services for mental health and substance use care.
There are two critical hearings next week where your voice can make a real difference.
Upcoming Hearings: What You Need to Know
Committee:
Joint Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services (Section B)
Dates and Times:
Tuesday, the 21st — 8:00 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, the 22nd — 8:00 a.m. to noon
Public Comment:
Typically begins around 11:30 a.m. and runs until noon
Speakers are usually given about three minutes, depending on turnout
Location:
Room 102, Montana State Capitol
We would love to have people attend in person to testify if possible.
Can’t Attend in Person? You Still Have Options
Testify or Submit Written Comment Online
You can sign up to testify remotely or submit written comments here:
https://www.legmt.gov/participate/
Important tips:
Plan to sign up the day before the hearing
When submitting testimony or comments, select:
Joint Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services (Section B)
What to Ask For: Fund NAMI Montana’s “Consistent Six”
If possible, please ask the Committee to fund NAMI Montana’s Consistent Six—a set of mental health priorities identified by both the Legislature during the last Interim and the 872 Commission.
The Consistent Six
Expand mental health crisis beds
Stabilize mental health care financing through Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs)
Expand forensic mental health evaluations
Strengthen school-based mental health care
Use acuity-based payments to help clinicians serve youth at risk of being sent out of state
Expand group homes
You may testify in favor of the Consistent Six on both Tuesday and Wednesday.
Prefer to Leave a Phone Message?
If you can’t attend the hearings and don’t want to submit comments online, you can leave a quick message through the Legislative Call Center.
Suggested Phone Message
“I would like to leave a message for the Joint Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services (Section B).
My name is __________ and I am from __________.
I want the Committee to know that mental health is a critical priority, and I ask that you please fund NAMI Montana’s Consistent Six services during this legislative session.”
They may ask whether you support the Budget Bill.
If asked, please say yes—this supports funding for mental health and substance use services.
You can begin leaving phone messages this afternoon and throughout next week during business hours.
Thank you so much for your help and advocacy. We truly appreciate your support.
Have a great weekend!
Matt Kuntz
Executive Director
NAMI Montana