Columns
As of the writing of this guest editorial, there has been a 30 percent decrease in FAFSA submissions by students and their parents across the United States compared to last year. In Montana, the decline is also substantial at 25 percent. What is FAFSA and why is it important? FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and students must complete it prior to applying for federal grants, work-study, and loans. Colleges and universities use student FAFSA data to determine their federal aid eligibility. It is administered by the U.S. Department of Education, which provides more than $150 billion in student aid each year. To apply for federal student aid, students need to compl...
In 2022, the people of Montana elected Republican supermajorities to both chambers of the Montana Legislature. Even though the people of Montana elected large majorities of Republicans, the Republicans elected to the Legislature did not always act like conservatives. Instead, many Republicans participated in...
When was the last time someone was kind to you? Or you were kind to someone else? What were the ripple effects of those moments? A few days ago, a colleague offered to help me meet a deadline since he had extra time and I was busy. It made me feel appreciated and supported, and eager to aid him in return....
We have known for decades that air pollution harms health. As a nation, we have prioritized cleaning up the air to protect the public. Sulfur dioxide levels in Billings were once unhealthy and Missoula’s air has ranked among some of the worst in the nation. With regulations, those responsible for the p...
“This is unconstitutional” has become a frequently used phrase intended to subvert the logic and rational understanding of the Montana Constitution. When improperly applied, it perverts the intended checks and balances of our three-branch state government system. If a person, group, or political ...
The 2023 Legislature ended almost a year ago. However, a couple weeks ago, Judge Mike Menahan issued a decision directing the Montana Secretary of State to conduct a veto override poll on SB 442 to determine if the bill will become law. I will not be supporting the veto poll override. Like many Montanans,...
Montana families deserve the financial freedom that comes from good health and a hard day’s work. It is only fair. Under Gianforte’s government the uninsured rate has increased by 127,000 Montanans of all ages. His approach to Medicaid redetermination has failed. We all will pay...
Bashing China is fashionable these days. But one cool thing is that the Chinese word for “crisis” uses 2 symbols that mean “danger” and “inflection point” (or “pivot”). These symbols frame global climate change well: Ignoring it poses great danger to our kids a...
“ It is what it is.” I’ve said this phrase quite a few times - many even. So much so that now, when I hear someone else fall back on these five words, I understand their secret, sorrowful, message. It is what it is. What it means: I can’t change my current circumstan...
Since the 2023-2024 respiratory season began Oct. 1, 2023, 77 Montanans have died due to COVID, and close to 700 COVID hospitalizations have occurred. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, more commonly referred to as SARS-CoV-2, reared its proverbial ugly head in Montana four years ago, in...
