Commentary
It’s important to say ‘Thank you’
On a global scale, the past 12 months have taken a terrible toll on the economy and health of humanity. As of this writing, more than 150 million people have been confirmed to be infected with COVID-19. In the United States, we have 29 million confirmed cases. In Montana, 10% of the population has tested […]
Anti-predator hysteria dominates Montana Legislature
For decades Montana has been a leader in the scientific management of wildlife. That has included managing predator species, in which Montana has carefully struck a balance of returning these animals to the landscape while balancing the needs of the people who live here. But now that appears to be changing, driven by a visceral […]
…Are condemned to repeat it
Pop quiz, folks: In what way are some Montana lawmakers like anti-vaxxers? OK, besides that whole science thing. Both suffer from a lack of historical perspective that could keep them from making mistakes that hurt residents. You see, when the anti-vaxxing craze (and that’s what it is, crazy) heated up several decades ago, and parents […]
House Bills 200 and 223 would harm immigrants, entire communities
A number of years ago, I was followed and questioned by federal immigration officials. Three men knocked on the door of the hotel room where my cousin was staying while visiting me in Billings, welcomed themselves in, and asked for our immigration papers. They said they had seen us at a local store and followed […]
Voter fraud lie causes a torrent of bills
A lie is a fickle creature. Once told, a lie marches free into the world, with its own agenda, out of control of those who created it. And as Georgia Republicans are discovering, a lie that is big enough and powerful enough can even turn on its masters, forcing those who created it to now […]
Students oppose HB349 which allows discrimination
In the past month, the Associated Students of the University of Montana has had the privilege to work towards allocating funding for dozens of student groups that captivate the diversity of student interests that make the University of Montana a campus unlike any other. From the Climate Response Club to the Telemark Skiing Club, college […]
Conservation groups try to keep Castle Mountains pristine
The Castle Mountains are a pristine, island mountain range east of White Sulphur Springs, Montana that, despite the small size of the range, provides an important link in the wildlife corridor connecting Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. The range gets its name from its “castle turrets,” which are 50-foot high igneous rock spires on the […]
Montana Dems: We are watching … and waiting
We are halfway through Montana’s short legislative session, and Montanans are still waiting for Republican legislators and Gov. Greg Gianforte to get to work on creating the jobs and economic recovery they promised during the campaign season. In their absence, Democrats have led the way. Montanans are still reeling from the pandemic and expect legislators […]
Here’s how we’re faring through the pandemic
The snow crunched under our skis along the Going-to-the-Sun Road last week, and at times, the images of Mount Vaught and Mount Cannon on a still Lake McDonald showed perfect twin reflections. A chubby dipper bounced with vigor in the lake. I peeled off my coat and long sleeve shirt, and my friend and I […]
First half of the Montana Legislature challenging, but hopeful
We are officially halfway through the 67th Montana Legislative session. This is my first showing as the Political Director and lead lobbyist for Western Native Voice. Our team has been on the ground since Day One, ensuring Native communities have equal access to the ballot box, speaking on behalf of human rights and protecting tribal […]
Montanans need tax relief. Period.
With Montana having the 13th highest marginal income tax rate of all 50 states, it is clear that Montanans deserve tax relief. But when Gov. Gianforte said he wants to reduce the tax burden, opponents began making false claims about the 2012 Kansas tax plan to derail tax relief. People across the nation who are opposed […]
COVID has made food insecurity more common for Montana
In every community, in every county, in every part of our state, there are too many families struggling with food insecurity. This means that because of a lack of resources or a lack of access, many families don’t have enough nutritious food. Seniors are forced to make unthinkable choices between paying for food and filling prescriptions, […]