Archive: August 2023

Balter-Reitz Named Fellow

10 August 2023
Dennis Pyburn
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Montana State University Billings Professor of Communication Susan Balter-Reitz, Ph.D., has been named a University of California National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement Fellow for 2023-2024.

Balter-Reitz and her co-author, Michael Bruner, Ph.D., University of Nevada Las Vegas Professor of Communication Studies, together round out the class of ten Fellows who will be examining issues impacting democratic exchange and free expression on college campuses. Specifically, Balter-Reitz and Bruner will be assessing the impacts of the FORUM Act on free speech on public universities in the United States.

Balter-Reitz and Bruner have been concerned with the attacks on public colleges and universities under the guise of protecting free speech in their collaborated research over the last decade. Examples include their 2017 publication about the manipulation of university free speech rules by individuals such as Milo Yiannopoulous and their recent work on the passage of FORUM Acts in state legislatures around the country at the National Communication Association Conference in 2022. Additionally, the two won the Franklyn Haiman award given by the National Communication Association to honor distinguished scholarship in Freedom of Expression in 2015.

“Dr. Bruner and I are thrilled to have been selected to develop our research as part of this distinguished group of scholars from across the nation,” says Balter-Reitz. “We look forward to sharing our findings about the impact that state legislation has on shaping free expression on college campuses and the implications it has for the future of public universities.”

Analysis: New Home Builders Shift Focus

10 August 2023
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By Victor Skinner,  The Center Square

Rising interest rates and construction costs, along with demand for more affordable options, pushed new home builders to shift focus in 2022, according to recent analysis.

Microdata from the Survey of Construction 2022 analyzed by Zillow illustrates a shift from primarily single-family home construction before and during the pandemic to more smaller, taller, modular buildings that cost less to produce.

“They’re responding to the higher interest rate environment … by basically building smaller, less expensive, taller units and they’re leaning into higher density,” Orphe Divounguy, senior economist at Zillow, told The Center Square.

Following double-digit increases for construction of single-family homes in 2020 and 2021, new construction of those homes fell by more than 10% in 2022, the first year of decline since 2011. Detached home construction declined by 12%, while attached single-family homes were up 2.9%.

Builders also focused on homes with less than three bedrooms, with new construction up 9.3% from 2021 to 2022. New starts for those with three bedrooms or more dropped 13.1%, according to the analysis.

Other trends included a 4.9% increase in single-family homes of more than two stories, compared to a 10.8% decline in starts of homes with two stories or fewer, and a median new single-family home size that was 100 square feet smaller than in 2021.

New homes that are constructed off site also increased by 23.9% between 2021 and 2022, while on-site single-family home construction declined by 11.2%. Zillow reports the uptick in off-site activity was likely in response to tight, unpredictable supply chains and rising costs for builders.

“Manufactured homes (are) more efficiently built – less waste, more climate friendly, and they’re essentially cheaper to build,” Divounguy said. “That’s a good thing for homebuyers.”

Baby boomers looking to downsize, first-time homebuyers, and others searching for more affordable options will benefit from the shift, he said.

“They’re basically responding to a demand for more affordable units,” Divounguy said.

Improving affordability in the market more broadly, however, means “builders have to be able to continue building at a rapid pace,” he said, and challenges remain.

Montana Highlights August 1, 2023

10 August 2023
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The Milwaukee Bridge west of Terry has been ordered closed immediately by the Montana Department of Transportation as the deteriorating deck conditions have been deemed a significant hazard for public safety. The sudden closure has left a lot of questions both for people who use the bridge to reach the other side of the Yellowstone River. The Prairie County commissioners declared the main concern is finding a way to get the bridge reopened. Several people who operate agriculture land on the other side of the river, reminded the Commissioners that the use of the bridge will increase greatly when harvest and cattle roundup arrive.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is advising anglers that portions of the Beaverhead River, Bitterroot River and the entire Jefferson River are closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to midnight. The hoot-owl restrictions are issued for: Jefferson River – from the Missouri River to the confluence of the Big Hole River and Beaverhead River, Beaverhead River –from the confluence of the Big Hole River to Anderson Lane. Bitterroot River – from Veterans Bridge at Hamilton to the confluence of the East and West Forks Bitterroot River

The Break Room, a beer and wine bar on West College Street near 11th Avenue, in Bozeman, opened recently. The menu features 10 draft beers, four draft wines, an old-school soda fountain, and bar comfort food including pasties, nachos and beer brats. The lounge was opened by Seth Cooper and Cassie Colombo, who owns Colombo’s Pizza.

The Richland County Sports Complex has a new home in Sidney. It was relocated from the cattle barn at the Richland County Fairgrounds to the Cenex-Western Choice. The official opening date is August 7. The sports complex is used for baseball and softball practices year round.

A group of business organizations in Kalispell are raising funds to pay for private security guards to patrol the downtown area of the City in an effort to deter vagrancy, plus customer and employee safety. The guards would protect business interests and connect people in the midst of mental health or addiction issues with social service providers. A notice being circulated describes the business groups are exploring ways to redirect funds that might be given to panhandlers to fund the community patrol efforts and additional homeless outreach.

Paddle Board Outfitters in Somers has grown from a modest start renting out paddle boards to a into a full-service paddle board, kayak, wave runner, and boat rental business. N Owner, Chris Hogan, began the company seven years ago.

Yellowstone National Park hosted 847,864 recreation visits in June 2023. This is a 61% increase from June 2022, the month of the historic flood (525,363 recreational visits), and an 8% increase from June 2019 (781,853 recreation visits). Thus far in 2023, the park has hosted 1,493,510 recreation visits, up 19% from 2022 (1,258,834 recreation visits), and up 10% from 2019 (1,358,629 recreation visits).

406 Cakes and Cravings, of Polson, opened recently and is owned by Aurora Doll.

The Big Hole River is experiencing a large algal bloom. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has taken water quality samples and expects to have results back by the end of August. A visual assessment of algae growth reports moderate to high growth from Melrose to Glen.

Butte Central Catholic Schools has introduced Denise Chrest as its new high school principal. A Butte native, Chrest has been the superintendent and K-12 principal in Moore for the last 13 years. Chrest replaces J.P. Williams, who was principal of the high school from 2018-2022. 

New federal oil and gas leasing rules proposed by BLM would have a negative effect on Montana’s marginal oil plays. The long-anticipated rules changes announced recently include a cleanup bond of $150,000 per well, up from $10,000 per well. Conservationists and the petroleum lobby say the higher bonding amount would hamper leasing in low-probability areas, which is make up most of Montana oil opportunities.

Montana native Jared Swarthout, is the current owner of Ping-A-T Lures, a company originally started in the late 1960s by his late grandfather, Gerry Swarthout, in Pinckney, Michigan, a city west of Detroit. Grandfather Gerry received a patent for the unique, self-righting lures in 1971 after perfecting its design. The lure is designed to flip upside down the faster an angler reels a line in order to better prevent snags under the water. The company is now located in Fallon

The Gallatin Association of Realtors recently named Cindi Siggs as its new Chief Executive Officer following a nationwide search. Siggs previously worked with the Realtors of South Central Kansas (RSCK) and the Kansas Auctioneers Association.

The Museums Association of Montana (MAM) announced the retirement of Executive Director Deb Mitchell after 16 years of service. Coinciding with her retirement, Mitchell has accepted a new position as the Executive Director of WorldMontana. Mitchell also retired from the Montana Historical Society eafter 23 years of service.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte wants the federal government to declare natural disaster areas in 11 counties due to drought. With unusually low snowpack and hot, dry conditions in northwest Montana. The 11 counties are Flathead, Lincoln, Glacier, Toole, Sanders, Lake, Pondera, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli and Sheridan counties.

In North Dakota, Vertipads Inc. is constructing the ground infrastructure needed for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to drop off and deliver packages beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The company is designing two vertiports to service drones used for package deliveries. Vertipads will utilize Vantis, North Dakota’s statewide UAS network, to fly BVLOS. Vantis provides the ground infrastructure for UAS, such as radar, air traffic control, and operations centers.

The North Dakota Petroleum Council (NDPC) is bringing its annual meeting back to Watford City September 19-21.

Manufacturers Push Against ESG

10 August 2023
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The National Association of Manufacturers has gained some traction in pushing back against ESG regulations. The House Financial Services Committee, which spent the last month holding hearings about environmental, social and governance policies that impact American businesses — passed proposed legislation that included measures to protect manufacturers and investors.

NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons reported that NAM has been fighting for manufacturers “every step of the way.”

The issue: Manufacturers in the U.S. are at the forefront of climate stewardship and innovation even as they power the U.S. economy, yet politically motivated activists and proxy advisory firms are making it difficult for manufacturers to succeed.

Recent actions from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission have empowered these groups. From unworkable ESG disclosure mandates to new standards encouraging shareholder activism to a lack of oversight of proxy firms, manufacturers are getting squeezed.

NAM has pressed Congress to curb the impact of activists, proxy firms and the SEC on public company governance.

 “Congress must step in to depoliticize the business decisions that impact the lives and life savings of millions of Americans,” said Timmons. “Manufacturers are determined to create jobs, lead the economy and improve the quality of life for all Americans. We are counting on [Congress’] leadership to counter the SEC’s regulatory overreach and help us achieve these goals.”

The House committee has embraced NAM’s proposed reforms, a huge victory for manufacturers across the United States. The legislation approved by the committee would:

* Prevent activists from hijacking the proxy ballot in pursuit of agendas unrelated to long-term business growth and shareholder value creation;

* Rein in proxy advisory firms and limit their outsized influence on corporate governance;

* Reinforce asset managers’ fiduciary duty to Main Street investors and retirees; and

* Ease ESG disclosure mandates by requiring that public companies only report information that is material to their shareholders.

It’s Coming Up

10 August 2023
Evelyn Pyburn
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“Come early!”

Not to miss a single moment of what is going to be the biggest and most exciting air show in Montana history, spectators should arrive at least an hour early, advises Mathew McDonnel, co-chair of the team of organizers who are making the Yellowstone International Airshow happen on August 12 – 13 in Billings.

With some 15,000 spectators expected for each day of the event, the process of getting everyone parked and through security will take a while, so not to miss a single minute of the show spectators are being urged to give themselves plenty of time. Getting there early will be well worth the effort because of the many static displays that will be available for spectators to tour. Gates will open at 9 a.m. 

And, “you don’t want to miss the National Anthem,” at 11 am, said McDonnell, explaining that it will be a “Super Bowl National Anthem.”

Few people could be more excited about the Airshow than McDonnell, but what he is most enthusiastic about is the magnificent effort of people in Billings who are making it happen, including the sponsors, volunteers and organizing committee. “They said it couldn’t be done,” enthused McDonnell, “and we did it.”

McDonnell and his fellow co-chair, Jake Penwell, have been working to put the airshow together for more than two years. It all started over breakfast at PAYS café, where the two old friends reminisced about their youth growing up in Billings and what they loved and appreciated about their hometown.  One of those things was the airshow in 2001. As they reminisced they talked about wanting to be able to “give back” to the community, then suddenly they declared “why not!?” Why not try to bring the airshow back?

Intermountain Health (St. Vincent Healthcare) is the over-all sponsor, but there are numerous others who have stepped forward to make it happen, including Famous Daves, Panera Bread, Williams Plumbing, Red Door, Applebees, UBS, Rocky Mountain College, The Granary, Edwards Jet Center, Taylor Electric, Inc., Buffalo Block at the Rex, Land Design, Mission Development Center, Special Olympics, Fuller Family Medicine, Ritchie Manning Kautz Attorneys, Adaptive Performance Center, GPS Electric Service, Vision Net, Land Design, and Dahlquist Flooring Contractors.

According to McDonnell, there have been some unexpected changes and uncertainties over the past few weeks regarding what air planes and pilots will be available. There has been a heightened call to active duty for much of the military, which has forced some changes; but, despite that, said McDonnell, some of the issues have been resolved and some are turning out for the best for the show.

Through special consideration by the Pentagon some air craft, like the B-1B Lancer, a super sonic bomber, will still be coming to the Billings Airshow.

There will be two F-16s to be flown by the Viper Team. They are among rare jets that fly straight up, called the “motorcycle of the air.” The F-35 Fifth generation fighter, “which is not easy to get”, will be here, and a B-1 will “kick off” off the show.

And of course the Blue Angles will perform both days of the event at 3 pm.

In addition to the military, there will be eight other performances including some pyrotechnics – and some surprise performances.

“It’s going to be a top level show,” said McDonnell.

On Tuesday, prior to the event, a large Montana ranch will be hosting the Blue Angels team for a “branding style day.”  

The skies over Billings will get very interesting after that as flying machines arrive and practice begins.

On Thursday and Friday, Aug. 10 and 11, the air show will be in full practice, which for the most part is closed to the public although special guests – veterans and law enforcement and other first responders – who will be very busy during the show –  will be invited to the practice sessions.

Just as interesting and worth seeing is the gigantic – 3 section “tent” – that will accommodate the VIP chalets and seating. Used in the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the shelter is built like Legos, explained McDonnell, and because of the size of the airshow they acquired the use of the shelter. “It’s amazing,” said McDonnell. The crew that will set it up arrived in Billings on July 25 – and they will need every day before the airshow to set it up.

In addition to the VIP / Chalet seats, the tent will accommodate military and veteran guests who are being invited to attend the air show practice on Friday, called Military Day.

And, “airport security is everything,” said McDonnell.  The Blue Angeles have some very strict protocols which must be followed – one of which is there will be no air flights at the airport during the airshow from 11 am to 4 pm.

Highway 3 will be closed. Reader boards will be placed in advance to notify travelers about the highway closure. Every one entering the show will be searched and there will be restrictions about what can be brought into the grounds.

Also there will be no secondary viewing areas allowed – another naval requirement. People can watch from North Park but not from the Rims.

Most of the Billings’ area emergency services – especially law enforcement and emergency medical services – will be on call.

The gates open at 9 am on Saturday and Sunday, August 12 and 13. The air show starts at 11 am and the Blue Angels performance begins at 3 pm. Gates close at 4:30 pm

VIP tickets are sold out but general admission tickets are available. Details about what spectators will be allowed to take into the event will be announced later.

IPO Investing Declines

9 August 2023
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Companies in the United States that had hoped to become publicly traded have been forced to postpone their plans in part due to the worsening economic climate. This has translated to the U.S. recording one of the biggest historical slumps with initial public offerings (IPO).

In particular, according to data acquired and calculated by Finbold on February 16, the U.S. recorded 181 IPOs in 2022, representing a slump of a whopping 82% from 2021’s 1,035. Notably, the number of IPOs in 2021 represents a surge of about 115% from 2020’s 480. Between 2002 and 2005, the lowest number of IPOs was registered in 2008, at 62, amid the financial crisis.

A breakdown of the 2022 IPO quarterly distribution indicates that the number of companies going public steadily declined as the economy’s fortunes continued to dim. For Q1 2022, there were 80 IPOs, dropping to 18 in the last three months of the year.

Current Economic Conditions Have Small Business Owners Pessimistic about Future Business Conditions

9 August 2023
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According to National Federation of Independent (NFIB) Business’ Small Business Economic Trends report, small business owners continue to face challenging economic conditions. The Small Business Optimism Index increased slightly by 1.6 points in June but remains below the 49-year average of 98 for the 18th consecutive month. Labor market concerns and inflation are at the forefront of small business owners’ worries, with 24% of owners reporting inflation and another 24% citing labor quality as their top business concern.

“Halfway through the year, small business owners remain very pessimistic about future business conditions and their sales prospects,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Inflation and labor shortages continue to be great challenges for small businesses. Owners are still raising selling prices at an inflationary level to try to pass on higher inventory, labor, and energy costs.”

According to NFIB’s monthly jobs report, 59% reported hiring or trying to hire in June, down 4 points from May. A seasonally adjusted 42% of owners reported job openings they could not fill in June. This trend is especially pronounced in the manufacturing, construction, and transportation sectors. Of the 59% of owners who reported hiring or trying to hire in June, 92% had few or no qualified applicants for the positions they were trying to fill. Thirty-three percent of owners reported few qualified applicants for their open positions, and 21% reported none.

Despite labor-related issues, small business owners continue to look for ways to grow their companies. An elevated net 15% of owners plan to create new jobs in the next few months, down four points from May. Attracting and retaining applicants is a priority for small business owners, with a net 22% of owners planning to raise compensation in the next three months, unchanged from May.

Over the next six months, a net negative 40% of owners expect better business conditions, which is a 10-point increase. A net negative 10% of owners reported higher nominal sales in the past three months, down two points from May. A seasonally adjusted net 29% of owners reported raising average selling prices in June. Although this is three points lower than in May and the lowest since March 2021, this number is still at an inflationary level. Forty-three percent of owners reported higher average prices in June with price hikes most frequent in the retail, construction, and wholesale sectors.

The NFIB Research Center has collected Small Business Economic Trends data with quarterly surveys since the fourth quarter of 1973 and monthly surveys since 1986. Survey respondents are randomly drawn from NFIB’s membership. The report is released on the second Tuesday of each month. This survey was conducted in June 2023.

Crucial Business Legislation Re-introduced in Both Chambers

9 August 2023
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On July 18, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act was re-introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Representatives Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) introduced the legislation in the House and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) previously introduced it in the U.S. Senate. The legislation would make the crucial Small Business Deduction permanent, which is currently set to expire at the end of 2025, reports the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

“Passing the Main Street Tax Certainty Act would stop an enormous tax increase currently scheduled to strike small businesses at the end of 2025,” said Brad Close, NFIB President. “The 20% Small Business Deduction is set to expire in 2025, and without it, small businesses will have to limit their plans to grow, invest, and hire. By making the deduction permanent, small business owners will have the tax certainty they need to make business decisions about their future. We are encouraged that this important legislation has been introduced in both the House and the Senate and urge Congress to consider it.”

The 20% Small Business Deduction (Section 199A) allows pass-through small businesses the ability to deduct up to 20% of qualified business income and is scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. The Main Street Tax Certainty Act would make this critical tax deduction permanent for small business owners across the country.

“Pennsylvania small business owners thank Rep. Smucker for re-introducing this critical legislation,” said Greg Moreland, NFIB Pennsylvania State Director. “The Small Business Deduction has been a crucial tax deduction for small business owners in the Commonwealth as it has allowed owners to reinvest in their business and employees. We ask Congress to pass the Main Street Tax Certainty Act and make the Small Business Deduction permanent.”

In a recent NFIB member ballot, 91% said they support permanently extending the expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act such as the 20% Small Business Deduction. Advocacy by NFIB members was instrumental in securing the 20% Small Business Deduction, and NFIB will continue advocating to have the deduction made permanent. NFIB Pennsylvania member David Cranston testified before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee in 2018 to explain to lawmakers how the Small Business Deduction has benefited his small business. In NFIB’s 2019 tax survey, 81% of small business owners believe the Small Business Deduction is important.

According to NFIB’s 2021 tax survey, nearly half of small business owners (48%) reported the uncertainty of these expiring tax provisions is impacting their current or future business plans. Earlier this year, NFIB Pennsylvania member Warren Hudak and Georgia member Alison Couch testified before Congressional committees sharing their small business tax stories. NFIB Vice President of Federal Government Relations Kevin Kuhlman also recently testified before the U.S. House Budget Committee on how Congress can mitigate economic challenges on small businesses by making the Small Business Deduction permanent. This month, NFIB joined a coalition letter with over 160 other associations to encourage Congress to pass the Main Street Tax Certainty Act.

Credit Cards Need Competition

9 August 2023
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The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, released a new video featuring small business owners explaining the impact the Credit Card Competition Act would have on their Main Street businesses if passed into law.

The Credit Card Competition Act seeks to ensure competition in the credit card processing market by allowing small businesses the freedom to choose between multiple credit card networks. Without this legislation, businesses everywhere are subjected to ever-rising interchange fees set by large credit card companies in a closed market free from competition. According to a recent NFIB member ballot, 92% of NFIB member small business owners believe that businesses should have the right to choose between multiple credit card processing networks. This legislation would help preserve their freedom of choice by injecting much-needed competition into the credit card processing market, allowing small business owners to choose the option that is best for their business.

Excerpts include:

“I think one thing people forget about all these costs and fees that they think businesses pay is that it’s the consumers who end up paying these fees. At the end of the day, if we can reduce those fees, we can stabilize costs,” said David Henrich, a small business owner from Minnesota.

“The Credit Card Competition Act, I think, would be very beneficial to our business. We just recently started accepting credit cards, and we have noticed that that ‘swipe fee’ has been very expensive for us,” said Renea Jones, a small business owner from Tennessee.

“I don’t have that free choice to go out and choose who I give my money to. It’s already taken away from me on the third of every month before I have the choice to come back and say, ‘Wait a minute, let’s look at this and negotiate a better rate,’” said Jeff Hastings, a small business owner from North Carolina.

Caregivers Deserve Better

9 August 2023
Evelyn Pyburn
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By Evelyn Pyburn

As jobs go begging in Montana people are often asking why. Where are the workers?

While it’s true that more workers are working now than ever before in Montana, it’s also true that there are businesses going out of business because they can’t get the workers they need. The Federal Reserve Bank recently asked the question, “Who’s not working?” If one takes measure of the people around them, their answer isn’t so surprising. Fully, 30 percent of working age Americans (25-54) who are not working are not in the formal labor force because they are caregivers. (I very much hesitate to say they are not working because being a caregiver – especially if doing so for both children and aging parents is very hard work indeed.)

For people in this age group, full-time caregiving is more common than not working due to school, poor health, unemployment, or military service.

In the big picture this should be a beautiful thing – to have parents actually raising their children, and families engaged in caring for their elderly or disabled rather than being institutionalized, is one of the greatest strengths our society could have.

About a third of caregivers are focused on children under age 6. The balance are either taking care of elderly relatives and some are caring for both the elderly and children. They are called the “Sandwich Generation” with most in the 40 year- age group and thieir numbers are growing.

The Seniorly Research Center (see front page article in this issue) reports a record 53 million Americans provide an estimated $600 billion annually in unpaid family caregiving. The number is up from 43.5 million in 2015. And, they add, “it is taking an enormous toll on their financial, physical, and mental health,” of the caregivers.

As I think about the people I know and what they are doing, these findings are not surprising and I suspect that is true for most of us. Over the past ten years, or so, I have known lots of people who have dedicated themselves, caring for elderly relatives—and as someone who has also done so in the past, I know it is one of the hardest things anyone can do. Watching friends who continue to do so, I am convinced that as a society we do not give caregivers the respect and gratitude they deserve.

Part of the reason I know they are not given the consideration they should have is because of all the laws and regulations  that are thrown in their way to make the jobs of government regulators easy while imposing incredibly ridiculous burdens on caregivers, who they really should be trying to help.

Just one little example: when my mother needed to go into assisted living and I tried to change her address at the post office, I was told I needed to bring my mother to the post office to do so. Taking my mother anywhere at that point in time was a half-day, major undertaking. While there are undoubtedly bad actors who must be guarded against — sorting that out should be the responsibility of people hired to do that. Their course of action should not be to push it onto the shoulders of someone who is already burdened with the phenomenal challenge of caregiving – most often without compensation.

I know one lady who told me her frustrations in trying to help an elderly, close family friend get medical care and assistance through various programs. For months she had had to deal with every kind of roadblock imaginable, usually by well-meaning people, sitting casually at desks, sipping their morning coffee, quoting by rote the rules – rules that imposed more work on everyone, and often creating serious delays. Delays that take a toll on the patient, as well as the caregiver. My friend explained how she eliminated most of her problems. She had a very professional-looking badge made, with her name on it and the title “Caregiver” embossed under it. It worked like magic. So what does that tell you?

Of course many of the most important caregivers in our society are the people who staff the medical facilities and other agencies that serve aging America, and they should be every bit as recognized and appreciated. In fact, quite often it was through them that I resolved problems that their superiors seemed quite indifferent about. Often on the QT, they would whisper what I should do to resolve a problem. Apparently, for the staff to be truly helpful was not allowed.

But the point is, those who think they are doing a good job in regulating this industry, aren’t.

And, unless and until you have been there and done that, most people do not realize the grave disservice, we as a society and community are imposing on people who deserve so much better. If, as these studies indicate, there is going to be more and more people in need of a better system, then let’s make it happen for the benefit of us all.

And by the way – the next time you see a caregiver, give  them a hug and say thank you.