DAINES TALKS STIMULUS, CORONAVIRUS FUNDING
The House didn’t even send a bill to the Senate until early Tuesday morning. Nonetheless, Montana’s Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) says he’s ready to stay and get the job done when it comes to addressing the economic impacts of the coronavirus. Daines joined us on Wednesday’s Montana Talks statewide radio show with Aaron Flint from Capitol Hill. He’s been working closely with the White House over the past several days to deliver economic assistance. Daines says the lodging industry is particularly being hard hit right now. They had occupancy rates of 80% two weeks ago, and now they’re at like 20%. There’s layoffs
Daines Introduces Bill to Require Insurance Companies to Cover COVID-19 Vaccines
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced legislation to require private health insurance plans to cover treatments or vaccines for the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, with no cost sharing. Once a vaccine is available for coronavirus, this critical legislation will ensure it is available to Montanans and Americans across the country as soon as possible. “This bipartisan bill mitigates the coronavirus outbreak by ensuring that folks have access to testing and vaccines without costs,” Daines said. “Montana families need access to these important preventive services, and financial barriers should not stand in the way during this national emergency.”
Daines: Trump Admin Expanding Medicare Telehealth Services During Coronavirus Outbreak
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced the Trump administration will be expanding access to Medicare telehealth services during the coronavirus outbreak. Daines has been vocal in advocating for the expansion of telehealth services to serve Montana seniors and folks across the state, including those in rural communities. “This decisions is about ensuring Montana’s most vulnerable, our senior citizens, are able to visit with their doctor without leaving their homes and risking exposure to coronavirus,” Daines said. “I’m happy the Trump administration acted to increase access to care for Montana’s Medicare patients during the coronavirus outbreak. I will
Daines Calls on FEMA to Coordinate with USDA, DOI on Emergency Response in Rural Communities
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to enable thousands of federal civil servants, who have experience with rapid emergency response, to assist rural communities that are increasingly overwhelmed by the challenge of responding to the Coronavirus outbreak. “We write to request your immediate assistance in mobilizing your agencies to offer coordinated support for rural counties, municipalities, and tribal communities as they respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),” Daines wrote. “Rural communities are working to
Daines Announces Montana Counties Eligible for Economic Disaster Relief Funding During Coronavirus Outbreak
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced the Small Business Administration (SBA) declared that Flathead, Gallatin, Missoula, Sheridan, Silver Bow, Wheatland, Beaverhead, Broadwater, Daniels, Deer Lodge, Fergus, Glacier, Golden Valley, Granite, Jefferson, Judith Basin, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Meagher, Mineral, Park, Pondera, Powell, Ravalli, Roosevelt, Sanders, Sweet Grass, and Teton counties will be eligible to apply for additional funding under the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Declaration. “This is about giving our counties and working Montanans additional tools for relief they need during the Coronavirus outbreak,” Daines said. “I’m glad to have voted to secure this critical
Daines Doubles Down on Push For REAL ID Extension During Coronavirus Outbreak for Montana, America
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced a bipartisan bill that directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to delay enforcement of REAL ID for at least one year in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Daines has been proactively working with the Trump administration on a delay of REAL ID for Montana. “Montanans need to put their health and safety priorities first. Delaying the REAL ID requirements for one year will remove any additional burdens on Montanans while we work to overcome the coronavirus outbreak,” Daines said. Currently, over 90% of Montana ID’s issued are not yet compliant according
Daines Announces Economic Proposals and $4.5 Million in Funding to Fight Outbreak
US Senator Steve Daines announced on March 16 that Montana has received $4.5 million in funds from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The funds will be used in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak in Montana. “This critical funding helps protect Montanans and ensures that our communities have the resources necessary to handle the coronavirus outbreak,” Daines said. “I voted for this funding which is vitally important to those on the front lines responsible for coronavirus prevention, preparation, and response efforts. I will continue working with my colleagues in the Senate and with the Trump administration to move forward bold actions
Daines Unveils Major Plan to Protect Montana Small Businesses, Working Families, First Responders During Coronavirus Outbreak
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Daines today unveiled three more major proposals that will help protect Montana’s workers, families, first responders, healthcare professionals and small businesses during the Coronavirus Outbreak. Daines’ plan includes: a tax relief payment of 7.65% for workers and small businesses, $1,000 payment for all first responders and healthcare professionals and to suspend SBA loan payments for three months. “We are in the midst of a massive public health and economic challenge because of the Coronavirus outbreak. Our economy, our small businesses and the livelihoods of thousands of Montanans are at stake,” Daines said. “In addition to
Daines’ Bill Passes Senate Ensuring GI Bill Benefits Aren’t Impacted During Coronavirus Outbreak
U.S. SENATE –U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the Senate passed his bipartisan bill that protects veterans and their dependents from losing GI Bill education benefits during the Coronavirus outbreak while they take part in online classes. “I am proud to fight to protect veteran’s education benefits during the coronavirus outbreak,” Daines said. “Veterans should not be punished for practicing good public health and transitioning to online classes during this pandemic. My bipartisan bill would ensure that GI Bill benefits do not change for veterans and their dependents who are forced to take online classes during this outbreak.” This