Gov. Steve Bullock is ramping up the pressure on lawmakers by taking his Medicaid expansion request straight to his constituents.
    
Bullock pitched the proposal Thursday to the Helena Chamber of Commerce.
    
Access Health Montana would use federal money allotted in the federal health care bill to expand Medicaid to as many as 70,000 Montanans. The plan needs legislative approval.
    
The Democrat argues the influx of federal money will create thousands of new health care-related jobs in the state, while expanding insurance coverage.
    
But Republican legislative critics say the state shouldn't rely on federal funding that could dry up in a future budget crisis.
    
Bullock is taking his case to groups around the state, and asking them to help convince GOP leaders to embrace the proposal.