EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT James Brown, Esq., Executive Director, MFDA Welcome to our final 2024 edition of Director’s Digest. Another year is on its way out, and another Montana Legislative Session it on its way in — which reminds me of a famous quote by Gideon Tucker: “No man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session.” The 2025 Montana legislature will convene on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. In turn, the legislature is slated to finish later than usual with a sine die date of May 9. This last day is significant because it means the legislative session will bump against NFDA’s Washington Policy Summit, which is set for April 9-11, 2025. The annual fly-in is the Association’s best opportunity to speak directly with all of our congressional delegation about federal issues and policies which impact Montana’s funeral industry. As such, MFDA always encourages any and all of its members to join us in Washington, D.C., to meet with our two senators and Montana’s two House members. But, just because the annual trip to our nation’s capital does not yet happen for a few months, MFDA’s policy and legislative work continues year-round on behalf of you, MFDA’s membership. Speaking of Washington, D.C., as of the date I am writing this, the United States Congress is adjourned due to the Nov. 5 election date. Congress is set to reconvene in late November and early December to conclude its budget and legislative work for the year. As a result of the recent election, the Republican Party now has control of both the U.S. House and Senate. And, as part of that year‑end legislative crunch, MFDA is working with Montana’s congressional delegation to ensure that as much of MFDA’s regulatory relief agenda is enacted into law as possible. Turning back to Montana, the 2025 Legislative Session will be a tough one for legislators. If you have picked up a newspaper or turned on a news broadcast over the last several months, you have heard that property tax is a hot button issue. What is more, the Medicaid coverage expansion bill enacted by the 2019 Montana Legislature is up for renewal this coming session. Medicaid expansion is always a controversial topic. And, with Montana experiencing record budget surpluses, you can bet there will be a lot of political posturing and a lot of wheeling and dealing to get the constitutionally required House Bill 2, the state spending bill, enacted into law. Speaking of the 2025 legislature, the recent election outcome results in the Republican Party having, once again, control of both the Montana State Senate and House of Representatives. However, unlike 2023, the Republicans do not have a super majority — though Republicans still have a heavy majority going into the January session. Further, Republicans maintained control of all statewide offices, including governor. Championing Montana’s Funeral Industry 6 | Directors Digest
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