Governor Schweitzer and Billings Healthcare Community Say "Protect our Healthcare System, Vote No on CI-97"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, September 28, 2006

CONTACT: Marissa Kozel, Not in Montana, 406-465-0283

(Billings) - Today Governor Brian Schweitzer and several members of the Billings healthcare community spoke out against proposed spending limit, Constitutional Initiative 97, at the Billings Clinic Hospital.

"CI-97 is a dangerous initiative backed by big money fat cats from New York City, and they committed fraud to get it on the ballot in Montana," Governor Schweitzer said. "Colorado is the only state to implement this type of spending limit, and their healthcare system is still suffering from the effects. Montanans shouldn't let the same thing happen to them."

Representatives from the American Cancer Society, Montana Nurses Association, and Billings Clinic, echoed Governor Schweitzer's remarks.

"We don't have enough resources currently to meet the demand for healthcare," Kristianne Wilson, Vice President of Strategic Development at Billings Clinic Hospital said. "Putting an artificial cap on state government would only make matters worse."

CI-97 would restrict government spending through a formula, limiting growth to inflation plus population. Montana's healthcare community knows this is a failed formula based on its track record in Colorado.

Colorado passed its spending limit in 1992. Citizens repealed it in 2005, after serious deteriorations in healthcare programs.

"CI-97 doesn't factor in growing portions of our population," Tina Hedin, Registered Nurse at Billings Clinic Hospital said. "Our senior population is growing fast, and they need specialized care. CI-97 would hurt our most vulnerable groups, like seniors, children and people with disabilities."

"Don't make the same mistake Colorado voters made," Governor Schweitzer said. "Vote no on CI-97."

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Not in Montana: Citizens Against CI-97, 1232 E. 6th Ave., Helena, Montana 59601, 406.443.3374, David Smith, Treas.