Three public policy topics featured at MFU

	Three public policy topics featured at MFU 'Year of Action' meetings
	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 30, 2004 GREAT FALLS, MT - The Montana Farmers Union (MFU) is sponsoring a series of statewide public meetings beginning on Thursday, February 12, 2004. The 'Year of Action' series will cover rural health care in Montana, country-of-origin labeling, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). "This is a great opportunity for all farmers, ranchers and consumers to hear the latest developments from Helena and Washington, D.C. on these important issues," said MFU President Brooks Dailey. "The availability of adequate health care for all citizens of our state is paramount. In addition, country-of-origin labeling and our response to the discovery of BSE in Washington state in an imported cow are two additional issues of vital importance to all Montanans." Presenters at the meetings include John Morrison, Montana State Auditor and Insurance Commissioner who will discuss his ideas for moving toward affordable health care. Katy Ziegler, government relations representative with the National Farmers Union, will bring updates from Washington, D.C. on the impacts to Montana agriculture of BSE and COOL. The statewide meeting schedule: February 12 Kalispell, Outlaw Inn, at 9:00 a.m. February 16 Glendive, Knights of Columbus, 8:00 a.m. Glasgow, Cottonwood Inn, Noon Havre, Triangle Telephone, 5:30 p.m. February 17 Great Falls, Hampton Inn, 1:00 p.m. February 19 Hardin, Fairgrounds, 10:00 a.m. "These three topics are of importance to all Montanans," said Dailey, "and we are fortunate to have such experts willing to take the time to spend with us. We invite all Montana citizens to take this opportunity to join us in a 'Year of Action' by attending one of the meetings." -30-