In the People's Interest

Montana can’t stand still on climate change

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Denise Hayman

Written by Representative Denise Hayman, HD66, and Representative Tom France, HD94 (Missoula). Published on July 18, 2021 “This summer’s torrid weather is more than just uncomfortable for those heading outside. Across the West and in Montana, it is taking a significant toll on many sectors of the economy. Farmers and ranchers, always at the frontline […]

In the People's Interest

Montana GOP’s broadband bill favors big corporations

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Kelly Kortum, Representative for House District 65

Written by Representative Kelly Kortum, HD65. Published on July 2, 2021. “Montana ranks 50th out of 51 in affordable broadband service. The internet has become so vital to maintaining our healthy state economy that it is no longer optional for most Montanans, their businesses, and schools. Your Montana Legislature attempted to address this issue, but […]

In the People's Interest

The GOP’s many attempts to pack Montana’s courts

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JP Pomnichowski

Written by Senator JP Pomnichowski, SD33, and Representative Ed Stafman, HD62. Published on June 8, 2021. “How many ways can Gov. Gianforte and his Republican-majority Legislature politicize and attack the independence of Montana’s courts? In unprecedented ways this legislative session, Republicans brought bills, supported by Gov. Gianforte, that seek to pack the court and threaten […]

In the People's Interest

A frustrating session of the Montana Legislature

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Denise Hayman

Written by Representative Denise Hayman, HD66 – published on May 29, 2021 “It was a frustrating and wasted session for ratepayers and small business owners alike. It was also a session where Republicans broke their promises to focus on jobs and the economy on behalf of all Montanans. Instead, they spent their time trying to […]

In the People's Interest

Board of Regents – Legislature – Gun Laws

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Regents must challenge concealed carry in court The Montana University System has a professional and ethical obligation to challenge HB 102 in court. This bill is ostensibly meant to make our communities safer; however, even a cursory glance at the bill shows that to be a deeply specious claim. Montana State University employed over 4,000 […]

In the People's Interest

This reckless legislative session lowered the bar

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By REP. MARY ANN DUNWELL Guest columnist There’s nowhere to go but up. Our 67th Montana Legislature hit the lowest bar ever. We need to join together, do damage control, and make sure such a reckless, overreaching, power-grabbing session never happens again in our beloved state. The 2021 session was unprecedented for its hybrid nature, […]

In the People's Interest

Everything to gain from shifting away from coal

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As of May 7, COVID-19 has killed 3.3 million people worldwide. That’s terrible. Worse, 2.6 times as many died from air pollution in 2018. A new study from University College London estimates that air pollution from burning fossil fuels caused 8.7 million premature deaths worldwide in 2018; almost one out of every five deaths that […]

In the People's Interest

GOP should stand up to effort to overthrow party

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The “Republican Civil War” appears now to have reached a turning point, as Kevin McCarthy and other Re-Trumplican leaders are demanding total allegiance — and that means that lawmakers like Liz Cheney must be removed from office, even if only for proclaiming the truth. Since when has telling the truth justified termination?? How much more […]