Montanans furious over unpopular Rehberg decision to cut Flathead Community Health Center
Montana’s millionaire Congressman solely responsible for cuts to Montana jobs, quality health care
Helena, Mont. – Kalispell residents are furious over Congressman Dennis Rehberg's proposal to shut down the Flathead Community Health Center, then try to blame his unpopular decision on the success of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Rehberg, who now serves as the chairman who oversees health care funding in the U.S. House of Representatives, is solely responsible for a proposed $1 billion cut in community health centers. If passed into law, the cut would likely result in the closure of the Kalispell clinic.
Rehberg recently admitted the Flathead Community Health Center benefited from the Recovery Act. The Recovery Act expanded the facility and created jobs when the region faced high unemployment rates. However the clinic opened in 2007, two years before the Recovery Act.
Ted Dick, Executive Director of the Montana Democratic Party, said Rehberg has some explaining to do, no matter how much he tries to shift his blame.
“Montanans have every right to be furious over Congressman Rehberg’s decision to kill the successful Flathead Community Health Center,” Dick said. “As the politician with the gavel, the decision to keep it funded was Congressman Rehberg’s alone. And his decision was clear: shut it down.”
Last year, the Flathead Community Health Center saw 5,575 patients.
“Anyone who thinks the economy has recovered enough in the Flathead to warrant closing this clinic down and taking away the jobs and health care it provides is either spending too much time in Washington or is a multimillionaire who has never had to worry about his own health care,” Dick added. “Congressman Rehberg is both.”
Rehberg’s decision to pull the plug on the Flathead Community Health Center comes after numerous past statements in support of community health centers.
Rehberg: “Montanans Rely on Community Health Centers and the Centers Rely on Congress to Provide Adequate Funding.” According to a press release issued by Rep. Denny Rehberg, “‘Montanans rely on community health centers and the centers rely on Congress to provide adequate funding so they can carry out their mission,’ added Rehberg. ‘This bill just makes sense. It puts federal funds to work at the local level, so care providers can help more people that need their services and that's a good thing.’” [Office of Rep. Denny Rehberg, Press Release, 6/23/06]
Rehberg: “Community Health Centers Are Backbone of Quality Healthcare in Rural States Like Montana.” According to a press release issued by Rep. Denny Rehberg, “‘Community Health Centers are the backbone of quality healthcare in rural states like Montana,’ said Rehberg. ‘Thanks to Montana's 13 Centers already in place, folks living in rural areas, on Indian reservations and those without insurance have access to reliable healthcare. This one will be no different.’” [Office of Rep. Denny Rehberg, Press Release, 5/25/07]
Rehberg: “Health Centers Critical to Ensuring Montanans Living in Rural America Have Top-Flight Health Care Options.” According to a press release issued by Rep. Denny Rehberg, “Montana's Rep. Denny Rehberg, announced today the Lincoln County Community Health Center in Libby will receive a $602,687 grant from the Department of Health & Human Services. ‘This grant will help the Lincoln County Community Health Center continue providing quality healthcare at affordable prices,’ Rehberg said. ‘Health centers are critical to ensuring Montanans living in rural areas have access to top-flight health care options.’” [Office of Rep. Denny Rehberg, Press Release, 2/23/06]
