On April 1, 2011, disability advocates joined approximately 1,500-2,000 Montana citizens from all across the state in front of the Capitol in Helena for the No Fooling with Our Future rally. MEA-MFT organized the rally along with the Partnership for Montana’s Future. Concerned about the legislature’s deep cuts to education, human services, children’s health programs, public safety, home heating assistance, and more, rally participants collectively called on the Montana Legislature to reverse its cuts and put people first.
Summit’s advocacy coordinator and independent living lobbyist, Travis Hoffman, was one of 15 speakers at the rally, which included a speech by Superintendent of Public Instruction, Denise Juneau, and a surprise appearance by Governor Brian Schweitzer.
The rally was one of the broadest coalitions of groups coming together to stand in solidarity against the inhumane and unnecessary budget cuts that have been passed by the 2011 legislature and was, by far, the largest rally of the session. To read more about the rally or view pictures from the event, please visit www.summitilc.org and visit our Facebook page.
