WASHINGTON, April 29 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: As part of his ongoing fight to make sure Montana health care providers have the resources they need to keep Montanans safe during the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced $13,193,537 for 69 Montana health care providers through the second allocation of funds for Montana's Provider Relief Fund. Tester announced $111.5 million for 1,469 providers and health systems across Montana in the fir  more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced that 121 rural Montana hospitals, community health centers, and clinics will receive $199,485,740 in coronavirus relief funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Provider Relief Funds are part of the $10 billion for rural health care providers in the CARES Act, which Tester and his colleagues fought to secure through 72 hours of bipartisan  more

WASHINGTON, April 28 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Jon Tester continued his push to make sure Montana's small businesses receive pandemic relief through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by urging Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to approve more Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) as Small Business Administration lenders, making them eligible to disburse funds through the program. "In rural communities and those facing chall  more

WASHINGTON, April 28 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: Additional Montana seasonal workers will now be eligible for relief under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) after a push from U.S. Senator Jon Tester to expand the program to cover these essential businesses. Tester pushed Senate leadership to make this change earlier this month. "From our fly fishing guides to our ski lift operators, our state depends on seasonal workers and the businesses that employ   more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: Following his push to secure funding for minority-serving institutions as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced that Montana Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and other higher education institutions that serve low-income students will receive $9,132,440 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is provided to help higher education instit  more

WASHINGTON, April 30 -- Sen. John Tester, D-Montana, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: President Donald Trump signed a second bipartisan, legislative fix championed by Senate Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member Jon Tester to ensure veterans' education benefits are safeguarded as schools and programs across the country remain closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "The President did the right thing by signing this bipartisan, common  more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Montana, issued the following news release on May 1: Congressman Greg Gianforte recognized Gerri Backes of Kalispell with his Spirit of Montana commendation for supporting and caring for seniors in her community, particularly during this unprecedented time. Gerri is president of the Kalispell Senior Center. While the COVID-19 outbreak forced the center to close, it hasn't stopped Gerri from making a difference. Gerri regularly checks in on the center  more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be directing $300,000 to support older Montanans and those with disabilities connect with community resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. "This is about getting Montana seniors and those with disabilities access to the critical resources they need to stay safe and healthy during this Coronavirus pandemic," Daines   more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, issued the following news release on May 1: U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be directing $199,485,740 to support 121 rural healthcare providers in Montana during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. "These resources are vital for Montana's critical access hospitals, rural health clinics, and community health centers that have been in desperate need of relief during these challenging t  more

WASHINGTON, April 29 -- Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced that $1,820,929 will be directed towards supporting disabled adults and Montana public housing during the Coronavirus pandemic. "It is important we have the resources needed to support those with disabilities who are at a high risk for Coronavirus and to protect the health of Montanans in public housing during this pandemic," Daines said. "I'm glad to have fought for th  more

WASHINGTON, April 30 -- Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, issued the following news release on April 29: U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be directing $13,193,537 to support 69 healthcare providers in Montana in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. This distribution includes the over $600,000 in funding secured for Shodair Children's Hospital. "This is about delivering much needed relief for Montana's healthcare providers who are on th  more

WASHINGTON, May 1 -- Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced that the U.S. Department of Education will be directing $8,417,240 through the Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEER) Fund to support Montana tribal colleges, community colleges and low-income students amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Additional funds of $715,380 will be directed to eligible Montana colleges. "This is about ensuring tribal colleges, community colleges and l  more

WASHINGTON, April 28 -- Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced he successfully had the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) guidelines expanded to offer fair relief for Montana seasonal businesses and workers. "This is about ensuring Montana's seasonal small businesses and workers are eligible for relief during the coronavirus pandemic," Daines said. "Over 10% of Montana workers are seasonal employees and the way the Paycheck Protect  more

WASHINGTON, April 30 -- Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Azar and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Verma urging them to ensure access to audio-only telephone-based services during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is vital for Medicare patients who live in communities that lack sufficient broadband and internet connectivity. "In order to ensure   more

WASHINGTON, May 1 -- Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Steve Daines shared updated numbers from the White House on the amount of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and testing supplies Montana has received during the coronavirus pandemic. Daines specifically worked with the Trump administration to ensure Montana received this support. "Working with President Trump, I've helped secure critical PPE and testing supplies for Montana to help keep our com  more

WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Steve Daines (R-Montana) and 72 of their Senate colleagues sent a bipartisan letter urging support for rural radio and televisions broadcasters and local newspapers during the Coronavirus pandemic. "Our radio and television broadcasters and rural newspapers provide local and national news, emergency alerts, educational programs, and more to all corners of the United State  more

WASHINGTON, April 30 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced $875,012 in housing pandemic relief funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The money will be distributed to eight housing authorities across Montana for the Housing Choice Voucher program, and to the Montana Department of Commerce to cover administrative costs to the state. "When being asked to shelter in place due to the pandemic, th  more

WASHINGTON, April 28 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has shipped 17,000 coronavirus testing swabs to Montana. "Public health experts are crystal clear: we need more testing capacity if we are going to defeat this virus and open up our economy," said Tester. "These swabs are a start, but I am going to keep holding Washington accountable until it provides more testing resources  more

WASHINGTON, April 30 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Jon Tester is leading a push to streamline the federal response to COVID-19 and speed up production and delivery of critical medical supplies and equipment under the Defense Production Act (DPA). Tester is cosponsoring the Medical Supply Transparency and Delivery Act to provide a much-needed federal framework for effective response to COVID-19 by establishing an Executive Officer at the Departme  more

WASHINGTON, April 28 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: Following the approval of critical pandemic relief funds last week, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is pushing to ensure local commerce and tourism non-profit groups are eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Tester joined a bipartisan letter calling for non-profit organizations including local chambers of commerce and tourism groups--most of whom are helping their own members navigate the coronavirus c  more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: As part of his ongoing effort to ensure Montana airports are able to keep up with development projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced that Helena Regional Airport is receiving $1,380,278 in grant funding to improve airport drainage and erosion control, reconstruct and rehabilitate aprons, and restore the south taxilane to extend its utility. "In a big state like Montana, we rely  more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: As part of his ongoing effort to ensure Montana airports are able to keep up with development projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced that Glasgow Airport is receiving $170,000 in grant funding to rehabilitate runway, taxiway, and apron pavements to maintain structural integrity, as well as install a runway visual guidance system to make the airport more accessible by improving a  more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: As part of his ongoing effort to ensure Montana airports are able to keep up with development projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced that Biggerstaff Field Airport in Stanford is receiving two grants worth $1,441,893 and $750,000 to rehabilitate the runway, taxiway, and apron pavement to maintain structural integrity. "In a big state like Montana, we rely on our airports to kee  more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: As part of his ongoing effort to ensure Montana airports are able to keep up with development projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced that Missoula International Airport is receiving $257,540 in grant funding to enhance access by reconstructing and expanding the existing road that ties the public highway to the airport. "In a big state like Montana, we rely on our airports to ke  more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced $300,000 in pandemic relief funding for the Montana Department of Health and Human Services for Aging and Disability Resource Centers that help older Montanans navigate and support long-term care service systems. "Older Montanans are among those at highest risk from the coronavirus pandemic, and we need to make sure they have access to the services they need to stay healthy," s  more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: As part of his ongoing effort to ensure Montana airports are able to keep up with development projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced that Malta Airport is receiving $304,833 in grant funding to install a guidance system including path indicators and low-visibility guidance signs and rehabilitate taxiways and runways to maintain structural integrity. "In a big state like Montana  more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: As part of his ongoing effort to ensure Montana airports are able to keep up with development projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced that Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is receiving $650,000 in grant funding to update an existing airport master plan study to reflect its future needs. "In a big state like Montana, we rely on our airports to keep us connected and stimu  more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: As part of his ongoing effort to ensure Montana airports are able to keep up with development projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced that Billings Logan Field Airport is receiving $663,063 in grant funding to acquire land and control its use within the runway protection zone. "In a big state like Montana, we rely on our airports to keep us connected and stimulate our local econ  more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: As part of his ongoing effort to ensure Montana airports are able to keep up with development projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced that Polson Airport is receiving $72,900 in grant funding to rehabilitate runway and box hangar taxiway pavement to maintain its structural integrity. "In a big state like Montana, we rely on our airports to keep us connected and stimulate our loc  more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced $96,573 in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for Montana libraries to expand online services in remote areas that have little access to broadband. This will help meet the needs of students in frontier areas as they continue online learning during the coronavirus pandemic. "Students in Montana's frontier communities are struggling to stay connect  more

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release on April 30: Following pressure from U.S. Senator Jon Tester, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an updated rule that will level the playing field for seniors and other Montanans without reliable broadband who need access to health care. CMS announced today it will increase reimbursement payments to health care providers for telephone-based, audio-only services to match the rate for othe  more

WASHINGTON, April 28 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: One week after urging FEMA to open up $100 million of appropriated funding for first responders to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies to address COVID-19, U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced that Montana fire departments and emergency medical service (EMS) providers will be able to apply for aid starting April 28th. Tester successfully secured the $100 million in FEMA Assistance fo  more

WASHINGTON, May 1 -- Sen. John Tester, D-Montana, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) led their committee colleagues in a bipartisan call urging President Donald Trump to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Harry W. Colmery, a World War I veteran and original author of the G.I. Bill. "Having recognized the desperate   more

WASHINGTON, April 30 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release: President Donald Trump signed a second bipartisan, legislative fix championed by Senate Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member Jon Tester to ensure veterans' education benefits are safeguarded as schools and programs across the country remain closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "The President did the right thing by signing this bipartisan, commonsense solution into law, that'll ensure our student veterans don't fal  more