Montana’s Consumer Advocate

Advocating for consumers and affordable, quality health care top her priorities

(March 4, 2008- Billings) – Former state representative and businesswoman Monica Lindeen of Huntley filed electronically from Billings, MT for the State Auditor's Office which regulates the insurance and securities industries.

Making use of her business background as one of the former owners of a Montana-based Internet company, Lindeen filed electronically for the State Auditor’s Office.  “The Yellowstone Valley has always been my home,” Lindeen said.  “This is where I grew up, raised a family, had the opportunity to succeed in business, and advocate for my constituents.”  

Lindeen believes this campaign is about who will serve as the strongest consumer advocate for the people of Montana.  She said she has spent her life working hard and advocating for others as an active member of the community, as a business woman, and as a legislator.

“Cost and lack of access to affordable, quality health care is affecting the pocketbooks of both families and businesses,” Lindeen said.  “That’s why it’s imperative we work together to increase access to coverage and insure affordability.”

Lindeen believes that promotion of preventive care and wellness programs, as well as the development of health information technology, can play an important role in reducing the cost of health care by streamlining the administrative process and eliminating duplicative and unnecessary procedures.
 
Lindeen points to her legislative success in working with Montanans and other legislators to pass a prescription drug discount program for seniors and the disabled, a health insurance pool and tax credits for small businesses that offer health insurance, and increasing the number of children enrolled in the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
 
“My record as an advocate for improving access to healthcare is the kind of experience I will bring to the state auditor’s job,” Lindeen said.  “The position is a good fit for my skills, background and qualifications.  During my career, I have received the backing from both business and labor groups – evidence of my success in bringing together working people, retirees and industry leaders to find solutions to the challenges our state faces.”

Lindeen, 45, was first elected to the Montana House of Representatives in 1998. She served four terms in the Legislature, in a district that ran east of Billings to Colstrip and Miles City. While in the Legislature, she obtained several leadership positions, including chair of both the Education Select and Quality Schools Committees and membership on the Appropriations, Rules, Agriculture and State Administration committees. She ran for the U.S. Congress in the 2006 elections.