Letters to the editor Nov. 25

Thank a caregiver

This Thanksgiving, as we gather with loved ones, let’s pause to honor Montana’s unsung heroes: the 214,000 family caregivers who keep our families whole. I know their sacrifices firsthand as I spent time caring for my significant other, balancing meals, medications, and midnight worries while holding down a job.

These Montanans — 23.8% of our adults — provide $1.76 billion in unpaid care annually, helping parents, spouses, and neighbors stay independent at home. They bathe, feed, and manage complex medical tasks like injections and wound care, often with no training.

The cost is staggering. Eight in 10 caregivers spend their own money, averaging $7,200 yearly, about a quarter of their income. Nearly half face debt or skip essentials like food and medicine. Over half juggle jobs, cutting hours or quitting altogether, risking their futures.

As Montana ages, demand grows. Ahead of the 2027 legislative session, AARP Montana urges lawmakers to act. In 2026’s interim, we’re advocating for updates to long-term care policies and to strengthen guardianship laws. Federally, pass the Credit for Caring Act for a $5,000 tax credit and the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act to expand flexible spending options.

I’m grateful for every caregiver’s quiet strength. This holiday, say thank you to one you know. Join AARP’s “I Am A Caregiver” movement at aarp.org/IAmACaregiver and tell lawmakers it’s time for support.

Need help? Visit aarp.org/MTCaregiving for free guides, and aarp.org/MTVets for veterans caregiving resources.

From one former caregiver to many: thank you. You make Montana stronger.

— Sandy Bailey, AARP Montana state president

Big Beautiful Bill

According to the Pew Research Center, 98% of Republicans in Congress identify as Christians. Voting records show that 98% of them voted for Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill including Montana’s Sens. Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy, along with Reps. Troy Downing and Ryan Zinke. 

The legislation has resulted in extensive cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, energy assistance, school meals and food banks while providing tax cuts to the wealthy and increasing the national debt. These cuts will cause great harm and suffering to millions of American citizens. It’s a well-established fact that having people uninsured and hungry ends up costing society more over the long run. 

Furthermore, the argument that these cuts will save Medicaid and other programs is patently false. Every industrialized nation in the world provides health insurance and food assistance for their citizens. In addition, even though America is the wealthiest nation in the world, these lawmakers say we can’t afford it.

How does voting for these measures align with the Christian values these lawmakers profess? Who benefits from people losing health insurance, being hungry and homeless and how does this make America great again? 

I have reached out to Montana’s congressional delegation with these questions and none of them have answered the questions. Voting seems to be the only way to stop this evilness.

— Don Harris, Clancy