Blue Bench Podcast

Blue Bench Podcast

por Gaby Krevat and Jorgia Hawthorne

Comentarios de noticias Política

Temporada 2

No Time for Neutral: Town Halls and Tariffs

Jorgia and Andy rally around the cowardice of Sen. Daines, Sen. Sheehy, Rep. Zinke, and Rep. Downing - after shutting down the House to protect a pedophile, they're now appearing to skip out on town halls again. Montana Democrats are hosting their own town hall, Thursday July 31 @ 6pm - RSVP at montanademocrats.org/townhall. The two also discuss Trump's insane trade war, his "deal" with the EU, and how back to school shopping is forcing parents to pinch pennies.

The Future of Medicaid in Montana with Senator Cora Neumann

The so-called Big Beautiful Bill will threaten access to health coverage for tens of thousands of Montanans in years to come. Now, Gianforte’s Department of Health and Human Services is trying to speed up the process, imposing work requirements and higher costs than the rest of the country. State Senator Cora Neumann from Bozeman sits down with us today to discuss. Join the resistance and leave public comment by Aug. 18th! LINK HERE: https://dphhs.mt.gov/1115DemonstrationWaiver/index

No Time for Neutral: Epstein, Montana Medicaid, and Public Radio

On this week's episode, Jorgia and Andy dive into the topic that has the whole country tuned in: the Epstein Files. We also explain how DPHHS is trying to kick Montanans off of Medicaid a year and a half earlier than necessary, and why cuts to public media are so detrimental to a rural state like ours. Contact DPHHS - dphhscomments@mt.gov - Subject: HELP Demonstration Waiver Suggested body: DPHHS’s decision to rush a 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waiver is cruel, hasty, and threatens to kick 31,000 Montanans (including 4,000 kids) off of Medicaid expansion. After the passage of the federal budget bill, you immediately jumped to implement cost-sharing and work requirements (AKA kick Montanans off their coverage), a year and a half before you’re required to do so. Federal guidance will not even be available until June 2026. Rushing this decision will cost time, money - and potentially lives. Let’s wait for federal guidance, make a plan to keep working Montanans insured, and limit the damage done by federal Republicans.

The Governor's Veto Frenzy with Representative James Reavis

This week on The Blue Bench Podcast, we’re joined by special guest Representative James Reavis of Billings to break down some of the biggest vetoes from Governor Gianforte’s desk and what they mean for Montana families. We also dig into the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” and share tips on staying engaged and fired up through the summer months.

No Time for Neutral: ICE in Helena, Tribal Colleges, and Suing Donald Trump

Jorgia and Andy give a whirlwind recap of the last week in Montana politics. The two discuss the arrest of Christopher Martinez by ICE in Helena and the impact Trump's cuts to tribal colleges will have on Indigenous communities. To no one's surprise, the MTGOP is up to no good and their new chair is no role model. Also, the Held v. Montana kids are suing Donald Trump and AG Knudsen is getting in the middle of it (we think he's salty he keeps losing) - tune in now! After the passage of the Big, Ugly Bill, Montana faces a potential budget shortfall for SNAP. SNAP is a lifeline for over 80k Montanans, and 30k stand to lose their coverage in wake of these cuts. Call Governor Gianforte and demand he prioritize SNAP funding in the state budget. 406-444-3111

No Time for Neutral: An (Almost) Full Breakdown of the Big, Ugly Bill

Jorgia is joined by No Time for Neutral's new co-host: Andy Nelson! The two attempt to break down Trump's Big, Ugly, No Good, Very Bad Bill. It's a HUGE piece of legislation, with cuts to healthcare, education, and clean energy. The deficit goes up, billionaires make more money, and the rest of us get left out in the cold. A loving reminder from MDP: Take care of yourselves. Holding our delegation accountable is crucial right now, but this is a long fight. Burnout is real and we need you with us for the long haul! We recommend turning off your news notifications for a while, getting outside, and drinking a good cup of coffee. List of rural hospitals in Montana that may close due to the budget bill: Northeast Montana Healthcare (Poplar, MT) Northeast Montana Healthcare (Wolf Point, MT) Big Sky Medical Center (Big Sky, MT) Prairie Community Hospital (Terry, MT) Garfield County Health Center (Jordan, MT) Logan Health Cut Bank (Cut Bank, MT) Big Horn Hospital (Hardin, MT) Providence St. Joseph Medical Center (Polson, MT)

Keep Public Lands in Public Lands with Land Tawney

On this episode, we sit down with public lands champion Land Tawney. We talk about why protecting our public lands matters, how to take meaningful action, and the power of pressuring lawmakers to put people over profit. Don’t miss this one!

Reproductive Freedom with Nancy Keenan

This week we sit down with longtime advocate and leader Nancy Keenan to talk about the fight for reproductive freedom in a post-Roe America. From her years at NARAL Pro-Choice America to her work in her home state of Montana, Nancy shares lessons from the frontlines and how everyday people can be effective advocates during this critical moment.

No Time for Neutral: Gianforte's Vetoes

Jorgia and Shannon discuss Governor Gianforte's vetoes this session. He's vetoed anything from property tax relief for veterans to a bill holding his office accountable to the people. Tune in for the full rundown!

No Time for Neutral: No Kings, Public Lands, and Call Your Senators!

Jorgia and Shannon discuss the massive turnout at No Kings protests in Montana and the United States and what it might mean for the future. They also recap new updates in the Big Ugly Terrible Bill and talk about the tragedy in Minnesota - and why we need to come back together. Contact Sens. Daines and Sheehy to say NO to the reconciliation bill. Daines: DC: (202) 224-2651, Helena: (406) 443-3189 Sheehy: DC: (202) 224-2641, Helena: (406) 441-1069

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