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Prop 2, the people’s initiative for Medicaid expansion, passed in Idaho. Many Sandpoint locals, who worked on this campaign, are very proud of the grassroots activism which began in our community under the leadership of Luke Mayville and Garrett Stutzke (both Sandpoint High School graduates) along with Emily Stutzke. These three millennials recognized the need, rolled-up their sleeves and guided hundreds of volunteers along the path toward accomplishing this victory for the citizens of our state.

Do you know anyone who makes more than $6,500, but less than $17,000 a year? These are the people referred to as the “working poor” who will now benefit from this expansion. It will allow these folks to get regular preventive healthcare, instead of ignoring health issues that eventually necessitate emergency room visits.

Idahoans pay into the federal Medicaid programs, but previously none of the funds were returning to Idaho due to Republican politics in Boise. It has been much like going to a store, paying for something, then walking away without it.

Two years ago, Montana accepted Medicaid expansion and according to Montana’s Department of Public Health, their state has saved more than $30 million. The reason being, Montana’s 10 percent cost for this expansion is a lot less than what they were paying for their indigent care program. It has proved to be the fiscally responsible thing to do.

Now collectively, Idahoans can be pleased that we’ll be caring for our neighbors, as we’d hope we’d be cared for if roles were reversed. Love lives here.

REBECCA HOLLAND

Sandpoint