Columns

In Montana, the following statement rings true now more than ever: “Whiskey is for drinking, and water is for fighting.” Although the quote is often misattributed to Mark Twain, the adage’s creator was highlighting a perennial issue in governance out west – water rights. In 2025, exempt wells are in the spotlight. For those unfamiliar, an exempt well allows a person to utilize a groundwater well or developed spring while avoiding the extensive permitting process to claim rights for that well. Historically, exempt wells have been an important tool for agricultural operations and developers. However, concerns have arisen as the number of exempt wells in the state...

To provide a better understanding of what climate change means for Montanans, we are hosting a new monthly series, entitled Montana Climate Matters. Each month, you’ll hear from experts knowledgeable about climate science, impacts, and solutions.  Our goal in this endeavor is to facilitate unders...

It’s hard to predict which direction the 2025 Montana State Legislature will take. One path encourages Montanans to be divided and angry, fighting for scraps and looking for scapegoats. The other is a path towards prosperity, freedom, and a better future. Legislators who would trample Montanans&rsqu...

Serving 16 years in the Montana legislature taught me much about the do’s and don’ts of crafting a state budget. Legislators are charged with deciding how to use hard-earned Montana taxpayer dollars to make government work for the people. It was our job as legislators – Republicans and Demo...

Montana is at a crossroads in our management of wildlife. We will either maintain our decades-long tradition in which everyone has equal opportunity to enjoy our public wildlife, or we hand control to a handful of wealthy landowners and outfitters to pick who gets to hunt.  A bill pending in the stat...

Montana is at a crossroads in our management of wildlife. We will either maintain our decades-long tradition in which everyone has equal opportunity to enjoy our public wildlife, or we hand control to a handful of wealthy landowners and outfitters to pick who gets to hunt.  A bill pending in the stat...

Dreams and goals - I think it’s safe to say we all have both. And that’s wonderful, and necessary. Because what would life be without dreams and goals?  In a word: hollow.  I used to set very specific goals for myself. I used to dream of what I wanted to accomplish with those g...

The Montana Supreme Court’s recent decision in Held v. Montana, the youth climate change case, is momentous but ultimately appropriately limited in scope. It is momentous because it is the first time a state Supreme Court has decided that citizens have a constitutional right to a stable climate system....

Millions of taxpayer dollars have been spent during my short time in the legislature to hire lobbyists that represent schools and local governments – all funded by Montana taxpayers. Time and time again, these lobbyists and organizations come into legislative hearings and oppose bills that restrict the...

As a dentist in my professional life, I have the responsibility of making sure my patients maintain great oral health and overall health. I also have the tremendous honor of serving the Chair of Joint Subcommittee on Health and Human Services in the Montana legislature, which is responsible for making sure M...