Opinion
As we finish up the second week of the legislative session, it is not business as usual in Helena due to COVID–19. One of our first duties was to change our operating rules that allow the public and legislators to participate in person, via videoconference or telephone. This is our first session that opens up the door for the public to participate in the legislature from the convenience of their homes. Go to www.leg.mt.gov to find more information on our legislative schedule. People are welcome to come to Helena and discuss issues and testify in committee hearings. The capitol has been very quiet with about one-fourth of the normal crowds. We have had two legislators who...
Editor, Why did Governor Gianforte decide not to honor the service of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick who was killed during the insurrection on Jan. 6? Sicknick gave his life to protect members of Congress, of which Gianforte recently was a member. Of any of our Governors across the ...
Editor, A nice article about the vote coming up for the resort tax and of course the picture of the needing repair roadway (in last week’s Valley Journal). What came to mind for me: I don’t think it will really matter. In my experience and in the articles I have read about the thousan...
Editor, Why has Superman’s motto stayed in the public’s heart for so long? Because it’s good; it’s something we want to believe in. Truth, Justice, and the American Way. Truth is that Joe Biden won the presidential election. Multiple recounts and analysis of votin...
Editor, HB 102, the “campus carry” law, would expand the number of locations where concealed handguns may be carried, including on college campuses. It expressly prohibits the Montana Board of Regents from passing prohibitions to concealed carry. Additionally, voters approved a legisl...
Editor, The residents of Polson will soon be voting on a resort sales tax of three percent on many goods that we purchase every day. Most of this tax will be paid by residents of Polson and not tourists. As a legislator, I believe that Polson does not meet the requirement to be designated a...
Editor, The residents of Polson will soon be voting on a resort sales tax of three percent on many goods that we purchase every day. Most of this tax will be paid by residents of Polson and not tourists. As a legislator, I believe that Polson does not meet the requirement to be designated a...
Editor, We are writing to show our deepest appreciation for the outstanding work done by the Mission Valley Power line crews and support staff during Wednesday’s powerful windstorm. In this and in other power emergencies through the years, line crews respond professionally and as quickly as is...
This budget is a good starting point and continues to fund the state agencies and outdoor programs that support wildlife protection, enhance public access, and conserve our working lands. Previous legislatures and administrations have made incredible progress to make Montana the world-class sporting and recr...
By Heather O’Loughlin, co-director, Montana Budget & Policy Center Imagine someone gave you a million dollars and told you to spend $1,000 every day and come back when you ran out of money. You would return in less than three years. If someone then gave you a billion dollars and you spen...
