BUTTE, MT — A group of about three dozen concerned residents gathered outside of Senator Tim Sheehy’s Butte office on Wednesday to voice their opposition to potential cuts to essential programs like Medicaid and Social Security. Many of the demonstrators expressed fears that reductions in federal funding would have serious consequences for their health and financial stability.
Among the protesters was Jessica Peters, a Butte resident who relies on Medicaid for her healthcare. Peters shared her deep concerns, saying, “I’d be worried if my health condition took a turn for the worse that I wouldn’t be able to pay for it and I would end up in debt.” Her comments echoed a sentiment shared by many who are dependent on the program for vital medical services, especially as the federal government covers about 90% of the cost of Medicaid in Montana.
The protest was sparked by a growing concern that if federal funding is reduced, Montana’s Medicaid program could face significant challenges, potentially leaving thousands of residents without the healthcare services they rely on. Protesters, including Sarah Borduin of Butte, urged Senator Sheehy to use his influence to protect the program at the federal level. Borduin emphasized the importance of Sheehy’s vote, saying, “His vote matters very, very much in the future of funding Medicaid in the state of Montana.”
Though Senator Sheehy was not present at the office during the protest, a representative from his office met with several demonstrators. The representative listened to their concerns, which would be passed along to the senator, though no comments were made to the media regarding the issue.
The protesters also left written messages for Sheehy, urging him to take action to ensure Medicaid and Social Security programs remain fully funded. Rose Brock, a local resident, spoke about the often-overlooked role these programs play in supporting families. “A lot of times people don’t know that some services their children, their family members … some of that money, and sometimes often, that is Medicaid money,” she said.
One of the key points of discussion among the protesters was the recently passed state legislation that removed the sunset date for Medicaid in Montana. The bill is now on its way to the governor’s office for approval, which could provide some stability for the program in the state, though federal funding remains a critical concern.
While many protesters were specifically focused on Medicaid, others also voiced concerns about potential cuts to Social Security and the broader direction of national policy under the Trump administration. Lee Whitney, another Butte resident, expressed frustration with the federal government’s priorities, stating, “I just don’t believe that Trump and his minions are going to — I don’t think they care about people.”
As the rally came to a close, it was clear that the protesters’ message to Senator Sheehy was loud and clear: they want assurances that essential social safety net programs like Medicaid and Social Security will not be undermined, and they are looking to their elected officials to protect these vital services.
