This year’s legislature is full of new politicians. There are a number of bills being introduced that will have direct impact on us as pediatricians. One includes a bill to expand religious exemptions from immunizations. Our current state budget cuts Medicaid reimbursement to the Medicare level – an 18% drop. These and many other matters are of grave importance for us. We need ongoing representation to MCMCH – Montana Council on Maternal Child Health. This group and the Alliance for a Healthy Montana meet by telephone conference. In addition, Steve Yeakel will send you a summary of ongoing bills in the legislature to keep you up to date on legislative matters. Please contact Sheila Idzerda sidzerda@aol.com or Molly Taylor mollytaylormtaap@gmail.com if you would like to be included in these emails or teleconferences.