GOP gives daily displays of hypocrisy in Helena
“I want to support Montana’s values!” “We can’t have Washington DC telling us what is right for Montana!” I have heard these statements during every election cycle since I have lived in Montana for over 40 years. So, it is interesting to note that the current Republicans in Helena are doing the exact opposite. My representative, Caleb Hinkle, put forth House Bill 251, which is a so-called
Right to Work bill that basically strips the power of unions to help workers in the state. When the hearing came up hundreds came to testify against the bill, either in person or virtually. But, who
spoke in favor of the bill? Washington D.C. lobbyists from Americans for Prosperity, a Koch Brothers funded group speaking for out-of-state corporations and billionaires. The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a “bill mill,” not located in MT, has pushed hundreds of antiabortion and “religious freedom” bills through state legislatures, including Montana. Anybody notice how many anti-abortion bills are going to be passed on to Governor Gianforte to sign? Last Sunday’s edition of the Chronicle’s Big Sky section headlines, “Montana renews push to sniff out welfare fraud.”
So, now Republican Sen. Cary Smith wants to bring in out-of-state “bounty hunters” working for Opportunity Solutions Project, a lobbying wing of a right wing think tank, to harass poor people.
We have gone through a year of unbelievable pain and stress due to COVID, and instead of trying to protect people’s health and security, give them some hope, the Republican legislature is going
to out-of-state lobbyists to hurt Montana families while enriching their well-to-do donors.
The Montana values that come to my mind don’t include the hypocrisy exhibited from the Republicans on a daily basis in Helena.
Lynea Seher,
Bozeman
Gillette is putting party ahead of constituents
As a young professional in Gallatin County, I’ve seen firsthand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on my family, community, and the economy of Gallatin County. That’s why I’m so disappointed to see my representative, Jane Gillette, prioritizing the passage of legislation for the purpose of ideological wins over legislation that actually helps our community.
As a graduate of Montana State University in microbiology with COVID-19 related research experience, I am acutely aware of the detrimental effects that this infectious disease can have on human health. This is why it is vital to focus on proactive policies like access to health care and broadband and expanded economic support for our families.
Instead, Rep. Gillette has introduced bills that would allow rapists parental rights, that would put lawmakers in between a patient and their doctor, and that would make it more difficult for low-income Montanans to access healthcare. Moreover, she has actively spoken in support of bills that disenfranchise voters and hurt transgender children.
As a voter in HD 64, I’ll remember her decision to put her party’s wins over my community’s health, safety, and recovery.
Madison Hebner
Bozeman
Bozeman Daily Chronicle Letters to the Editor 3/7/21