Tester, Baucus secure $100,000 for Montana Tech

Money would help fund workforce development at Butte college

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The influential Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $100,000 to improve health care job training by expanding Montana Tech’s health information technology (IT) degree program, Senators Jon Tester and Max Baucus announced today.

The funding is part of $2 million secured for Montana by Tester, a member of the Appropriations Committee, and Baucus in the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Bill.

Health information technology is one of the fastest-growing segments of the nation’s health care system.  The demand for highly skilled, well-trained health IT professionals will continue to grow for years to come in Montana.

Montana Tech Chancellor Frank Gilmore said the $100,000 will support health IT education and workforce development at Montana Tech to meet the growing demand for health Information Technology professionals.

“Montana Tech appreciates the wonderful support provided by Senators Tester and Baucus,” Gilmore said. “The funds made available will be used to support the Healthcare Informatics Department’s emphasis on training more health workers in health information technology and especially workers for rural health facilities.”

“This is a smart investment that will help create good high-tech jobs in Montana,” Tester said.  “It will also help the state meet a critical demand for Health IT professionals and improved rural health care.  This is exactly the kind of project I’m proud to support and I’ll vote for it every step of the way.”

“This funding is an investment in the health of Montana,” said Baucus, chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee.  “It will prepare Montanans for good-paying jobs of the future while helping address a growing need for health care professionals across Montana and the country.”

The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations Bill now goes to the full Senate for approval.  A similar measure has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives.