Montana senators focus on health care, business support in 4th COVID-19 bill
As details about a fourth round of the federal COVID-19 relief spending surface in the Senate, Montana lawmakers are putting forth what they would like to see in the bill. U.S. Sens. Steve Daines, a Republican, and Democrat Jon Tester are focused on several proposals ranging from a replacement for the Paycheck Protection Program to getting relief to local governments. Time is expiring on key programs created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act passed by Congress in late March. Better known as the CARES Act, the March bill was a $2 trillion response to a pandemic, which
Daines Questions Medical Equipment Imports From Other Countries
At a U. S. Senate Finance hearing on Tuesday, Senator Steve Daines posed questions to two Department of Homeland Security personnel on importing vital medical supplies from countries like China. “It’s long overdue that we end our reliance on foreign countries like China to produce medical equipment, supplies and life saving drugs,” said Daines. “That’s why I’ve taken swift action to put America first in leading the effort in Congress to support ‘Made in America’ manufacturing as well as jobs. I was able to secure $10 billion in the CARES Act to accelerate the development and manufacturing of drugs and
Top EPA official tours brownfield sites
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler got an up-close and personal look at the federal agency’s impact in Kalispell during a tour on Friday. Wheeler came from Washington, D.C., to join U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., and local business leaders on a tour of brownfield sites throughout the city that have been redeveloped, thanks to $2 million in EPA funding. “We’re very happy Administrator Wheeler took the time to come to Kalispell,” said Katharine King, assistant director of Community and Economic Development with the city of Kalispell. “The EPA brownfield program has been a great resource for property owners
Daines Statement on Helena City Commission Vote to Defund Helena Police, Remove School Officers
U.S. SENATE– U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement after the Helena City Commission’s voted not to cut $300,000 from the Helena Police Department’s personnel budget and remove School Resource Officers (SROs) from all school campuses. This statement follows Daines’ statement earlier today urging the Helena City Commission to vote against cutting funding to the Helena Police Department. “I’m glad the Helena City Commission decided to stand by our law enforcement today and ensure they have the resources needed to keep our communities and schools safe,” Daines said. Background: Daines is a strong supporter of the men and women
Daines Secures Major Montana Priorities in Next COVID-19 Relief Package
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced the following Montana priorities that are included in the initial Phase Four Coronavirus Relief Package in the Senate. Daines fought for funding for a COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutic drugs, Montana jobs and workers, and support for Montana child care providers and working parents. “As Montana experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases, I will continue fighting for the health and economic livelihoods of Montana families. This latest COVID-19 relief package includes my provisions to increase funding for a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as supporting getting Montanans back to work and providing support
Daines’ Bill to Support Montana Child Care Providers, Families Included in Phase Four COVID-19 Relief Package
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that his bill to help Montana families and provide assistance for Montana child care providers to offer critical, affordable services for working moms and dads during the pandemic has been included in the initial Phase Four COVID-19 relief package. “It is critical that Montana’s working parents have access to child care services so they can work and put food on the table during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Daines said. “I’m glad my bill to support our child care providers and working parents will be included in this COVID-19 relief package and I
Daines Secures $26 Billion for COVID-19 Vaccines
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced that he secured $26 billion in the initial Phase Four COVID-19 relief package. This follows Daines’ direct request to Senate leadership for more robust funding for the development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and drugs in any upcoming COVID-19 relief package in Congress. This is in addition to the $10 billion for vaccine manufacturing Daines secured in the CARES Act, which was signed into law in March. “To get back to normal, we have to stop the pandemic, and to stop the pandemic we need a vaccine. That’s why I’ve made
Daines’ Bill to Help Montanans Get Back to Work, Support Job Training Included in Phase Four COVID-19 Relief Package
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced today that his bill to help Montanans and Americans get back to work and prepare them for the post-COVID-19 economy, has been included in the Phase Four COVID-19 relief package. This follows Daines’ introduction of the bill, announced the “Workforce Recovery and Training Services Act,” last week. “Montana has been hit very hard economically due to the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing over 100,000 Montanans to file for unemployment. That’s why I introduced this bill to help get Montanans back to work and ensure folks have the support and training they need to fill
Daines to Helena City Commission: Support our Law Enforcement
U.S. SENATE– U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement ahead of the Helena City Commission’s vote to cut $300,000 from the Helena Police Department’s personnel budget and remove School Resource Officers (SROs) from all school campuses. “Later today, the Helena City Commission will vote on whether to cut $300,000 from the Helena Police,” Daines said. “This wouldn’t just be short-sighted, it would be absolutely reckless. I will always back the blue and I am urging the Helena City Commission to do the same today.” Background: Daines is a strong supporter of the men and women who serve in our