Big Sky 55+ To Hold First Statewide Conference

Big Sky 55+ will host its first statewide conference, "Gathering Wisdom, Building Power" March 21-22, 2024, in Billings, Montana. The conference will explore issues impacting Montanans 55 and older and will feature Bozeman author Betsy Gaines Quammen, touring with her new book, True West: Myth & Mending on the Far Side of America as Thursday evening’s keynote speaker. Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works will be Friday’s keynote, speaking on "Exposing Myths and Zombie Lies about Social Security.”

Mary Sheehy Moe will join a kick-off panel exploring how the 55+ generation can mobilize to make Montana a healthier and stronger community for all ages. Other panel discussion topics will include Fair Taxes Now! Navigating and Challenging Montana’s Increasingly Tilted Tax System; Keeping Healthcare Affordable in Montana; Montana’s Changing Media Landscape and Navigating Misinformation; and No Wrong Door! Aging with Dignity and Grace in Montana.

Panelists will include:

● Amanda Curtis, President of the Montana Federation of Public Employees

● Darrell Ehrlick, Editor of the Daily Montanan

● Angela Russell, Crow Tribal Member

● Keith Hammonds, Editor and Publisher, Boulder Monitor

● Jackie Coffin, News Director, Yellowstone Public Radio

● Rose Bender, Montana Budget and Policy Center

● Dan Bucks, former Montana Director of the Dept. of Revenue

● Great Falls City Commissioner Shannon Wilson

The conference will run from 1 PM on Thursday, March 21, 2024, through 3 PM on Friday, March 22, 2024.

Visit https://www.bigskyfiftyfive.org/conference for more information and to register, or email info@bigsky55.org.