SUNDAY, OCT. 4, 2020 „„ Here Are the Questions We Asked the Candidates

SUNDAY, OCT. 4, 2020 Here are the questions we asked the candidates:

SUNDAY, OCT. 4, 2020 COVID-19 has hurt Montana’s econo- program. Montana’s health care businesses 1.my. Montana’s Legislative Fiscal Divi- benefit from Medicaid expansion spending. sion projects a 13% drop in revenue to the Explain the outcome of your decision on state general fund this fiscal year, while both Medicaid patients and the health care economists don’t expect a return to pre- industry. pandemic growth levels until 2022. The Earlier in the pandemic, two Montana current governor has suggested that reserve 3.legislators asked that small businesses funding can cover the loss, though Republi- and health care providers receive immunity can leaders have called for budget cuts. from liability lawsuits related to the spread What budget steps do you think are need- of COVID-19. Nothing came of the request, ed to deal with this recession’s impact on but the issue isn’t dead. How you vote on state government? Would you support tax the issue in the Legislature? How would increases to balance the budget and main- Associated Press you balance the interests of businesses with tain current government services? In the al- The Montana House votes on bills during a final public safety? Would you condition liabil- ternative, what government services would day of a legislative session in Helena. ity waivers on businesses to taking certain you cut to make the budget balance? If you steps to avoid spreading the virus? Explain one concern your constituents intend to cut taxes, tell us what changes to Montana faces an energy economy 5.have told you about that you will at- government spending would be needed to law, or parts of it, including federal funding 4.crisis. Its biggest energy customers in tempt to address as a legislator. Tell us what accommodate both your tax cut and the for Medicaid expansion. What would you Oregon and Washington are banning coal you intend to do. current revenue slump. as a legislator do if federal funding of Med- power. Out of state power plants that burn On Nov. 10, the U.S. Supreme Court icaid expansion was eliminated? The state Montana coal are also planning to shut Editor’s note: Candidates were limited to 2.will hear oral arguments in California would become responsible for full fund- down in the next few years. What should 100 words per response. Aside from trim- v. Texas, a case concerning the Affordable ing of the expansion program if the federal the Legislature do? What steps would you ming some responses to meet the word limit, Care Act. The case is rooted in ACA’s indi- government backed out. Roughly 90,000 take to keep Montana in the energy export the candidate’s answers have not been ed- vidual mandate, but could undo the entire Montanans have enrolled in the expanded business, or should the state get out? ited. Most Montana counties file mail ballot plans By GWEN FLORIO judges tend to be older and at higher risk [email protected] for suffering severe symptoms from the coronavirus. Forty-six of Montana’s 56 counties Mail ballots have become a source of initially opted for mail ballots in the contention in some quarters. Earlier this November election, according to a tally week, the reelection campaign of Presi- posted by the Montana Secretary of dent Donald Trump, along with the Re- State’s Office. publican National Committee, the na- Gov. Steve Bullock gave the coun- tional Republican Senatorial Committee ties the option of using the mail ballots and the Montana Republican State cen- following a request in July from county tral Committee sued to block mail ballots clerks across the state. Mail ballots are in Montana. Friday, Bullock, a Democrat similar to the absentee ballots already who seeks to unseat incumbent Republi- used by roughly three-quarters of Mon- can U.S. Sen. Steve Daines in November, tana voters. said that request, if granted, would “in- In-person voting will still be allowed ject chaos into the election.” in all counties, and voters also have the Similar lawsuits targeting mail bal- option of dropping off their mail ballots lots have been filed around the country in person, either at county voting offices by Republican groups, while Democrats or in drop-boxes. have suits over voting regulations they Because of the pandemic, all Montana see as restrictive. counties used mail ballots in the June When the suit was announced, Bull- primary election, which saw near-record ock cited support from the Montana turnout. Senate president and speaker of the Counties had until Friday to turn Montana House, both Republicans, for in their ballot plans. Only Broadwater, the June primary. Carbon, Fergus, Mineral, Petroleum, House Speaker Greg Hertz, R-Polson, Powder River, Powell, Stillwater, Trea- pointed out in an email that Bullock is- sure and Wibaux counties did not submit sued the primary directive in March mail ballot plans, according to the Sec- when the pandemic was still in the early retary of State’s Office. stages, but that he could no longer sup- County clerks have cited difficulties port a general election mail ballot “now SARA DIGGINS, Missoulian in finding enough election judges for we know COVID isn’t as bad as once an- An election aide sorts through ballots arriving at the Missoula County Elections Office by mail during traditional poll elections, given that the ticipated.” the June 2020 primary election. 2 October 2020 MONTANANS HAVE A

CLEAR CHOICE IN THE RACE FOR U .S. SENATE

GOVERNOR STEVE BULLOCK SENATOR STEVE DAINES A steady leader who Montanans can always count A multimillionaire who looks out for himself and his on to put them first – not the special interests. corporate backers in Washington – not Montanans.

Brought Democrats and Republicans Voted repeatedly to let insurance companies together to expand healthcare for 90,000 deny health care for people with pre-existing Montanans, fought to lower costs and saved conditions like cancer, diabetes, and asthma rural hospitals Voted to risk the sale of Montana’s public lands Vetoed bills that threatened our public to out-of-state landowners and developers lands & fought out-of-state interests when they tried to overturn stream access law Voted for Mitch McConnell’s tax plan that gave a trillion dollars in breaks to big corporations and Cut taxes for small businesses wealthy Americans, like himself

Balanced the budget and saved $600 million Spent six years in China setting up factories for in our rainy day fund – allowing Montana to an American corporation recover from this crisis faster than most states Taken $2 million in campaign cash from corporate Not taking a dime of corporate PAC money PACs, the health insurance and drug industries

S TEVE BULLOCK S TEVE D AINES W ORKS FOR WORKS FOR ALL MONTANANS HIMSELF AND HIS CORPORATE BACKERS

GET THE FA CTS BEFORE Y OU VO TE STEVEBULLOCK.COM

P AID FOR BY MONTANANS FOR BULLOCK

October 2020 3 HOUSE DISTRICT 30

CINDY PALMER many infrastructure needs. I would protect siders the US response too risky. I would the principal for future generations and not only support liability waivers for businesses Political party: Democrat raid this Trust. I would consider necessary following CDC guidelines. Place of birth: Great Falls cuts and tax increases: for example, I sup- The state should support the energy Home: Geyser port a sales tax on rental cars because over 4.export business that is booming—re- Occupation: Rancher 90% are to out-of-state people. Then we newable energy. My farm sits at the base Family: Husband and two daughters. could reduce the pressure on property taxes. of the Spion Kop wind farm and I have in- Education: Bachelor’s degree in English For years, the Republican major- stalled solar power panels to power my farm Past employment: Special Projects for 2.ity would not pass Medicaid expan- yard and home. We can lament that the car the State Commissioner of Securities and sion even though the federal government put the buggy out of business or we can em- Insurance, Investigator for the Attorney covered 100% of the cost. They worried brace and profit from the change. The most General Office of Consumer Protection and we could lose funding. I felt that was a ter- frightening bill in the last legislature would English teacher. rible argument as decisions should be made have allowed Northwest Energy to pur- Military: N/A based on the current facts, not an imagined chase Coalstrip for $1 as it would have made Political experience: I volunteered for future. The Supreme Court has upheld the ratepayers responsible for $700 million in the 2008/2009 legislative session and in ACA before so I believe they will again, but clean-up, repairs and updates. 2018/2019 session I lobbied for Montana if funding is eliminated then Medicaid ex- Representative Wylie Galt only at- Farmers Union. pansion would have to be too. We would go 5.tended one Agriculture committee Endorsements: N/A back to where we were with uninsured peo- hearing. He led the charge to kill Coun- Ways voters can contact you: ple so angry that an all new solution will be try of Origin Labeling (COOL). All food, a.) Email: [email protected] demanded. except beef and pork are labeled. Before b.) Address: PO Box 41, Geyser, MT If the faucet is leaking I don’t spend my COOL was repealed ranchers made $2.50 59447 3.time trying to figure out how to fix the per pound on beef. Rep. Galt dismissed c.) Phone number: 406-735-4941 damages it is causing, rather, I fix the prob- COOL’s impact on price and said the price Most departments function on funds lem. My daughter is a researcher in Norway dropped because ranchers over produced. 1.they raise. For instance, Fish Wildlife and they had their first Covid-19 case days I believe the system is broken as 4 multi- and Parks, funds themselves with hunting before the USA. Norway shut their coun- national companies slaughter over 80% and fishing licenses. The Attorney General try down and Covid was nearly eliminated. of all beef. COOL prevents packers from prosecutes criminals and collects penalties. Children went back to school last spring, misleading consumers and underpaying I would look elsewhere for solutions. Mon- people function normally within the coun- producers. I will lose my election in this tana has a billion dollar Coal Trust Fund try, but if she were to come visit, she would Republican district so let Rep. Galt know that pays annual dividends which fund not be allowed back because Norway con- he should support COOL next time.

HOUSE DISTRICT 37 JERRY SCHILLINGER The current governor has suggested that sary precautions. There is no magic bullet reserve funding can cover the loss, though and there is no reason to open up another Political party: Republican Republican leaders have called for budget legal = box for litigation. Place of birth: Wolf Point, Montana cuts. Oregon and Washington may have Home: Circle Clearly the State isn’t going to as- 4. to learn how to sweat, shiver and Occupation: Farmer 2. sume a $1.4 billion program, that’s fumble in the dark like California. Mar- Family: Wife, Carol; sons, Brett, Alex roughly $1400 for every Montanan. Ex- kets will be the primary drivers of fuel and Paul (deceased); three granddaughters pansion was not a good way to improve choices in the future but citizens across and two grandsons healthcare in the first place, it was just the country are going to have to decide Education: Vida Elementary, Circle another avenue to cost shift and continue how reliable and affordable they want High School, bachelor’s degree accounting, to inﬂate health care costs overall. Our their energy supplies to be and vote ac- CPA University of Montana challenge as a society is to reconnect in- cordingly. We should remove costly Past employment: Arthur Andersen dividuals with medical providers to gain regulatory burdens where possible while CPAS, Schell Stephens Riley Huffine CPAS better health care. Healthcare is an indi- promoting new technologies. Affordable Military: N/A vidual responsibility much like housing, energy helped America grow into a Su- Political experience: SD19 candidate food, transportation, etc., costs will be perpower, average citizens rely on it for 2018 lower and outcomes will be better when healthy lifestyles, it is critical for a pros- Endorsements: N/A we take as much interest in our healthcare perous agriculture. Ways voters can contact you: as we do in other areas. House District 37 residents are free- a.) Email: jerryschillinger2020@gmail. I’m not sure why COVID 19 should be 5. dom loving individuals that don’t com 3. treated differently from other health want their government lording over them. b.) Address: Box 147 Circle 59215 related issues when it comes to liability Much of what I have outlined above en- c.) Phone number: 406-974-2478 lawsuits. Clearly there are no set in con- capsulates what I have heard while cam- COVID-19 has hurt Montana’s econ- crete procedures that have proven suc- paigning. The vote to approve Medicaid 1. omy. Montana’s Legislative Fiscal cessful in the prevention of this virus so Expansion by our legislature and governor Division projects a 13% drop in revenue how do we mandate a certain behavior by was a slap in the face to my district that to the state general fund this fiscal year, our businesses? It really comes down pri- turned it down overwhelmingly. I will while economists don’t expect a return to marily to individuals being aware of their vote in the legislature to promote Life, pre-pandemic growth levels until 2022. own specific needs and taking the neces- Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. 4 October 2020 HOUSE DISTRICT 37

JACOB KITSON I believe that taxation is theft. I think es. That would relieve the business owner of 1.that we need to minimize the burden of any liability based on existing understand- Political party: Libertarian taxes our residents own and I would work ing of law. Place of birth: Bryan, Texas at abolishing property taxes in our state in While working with the current work- Home: Terry favor of a 5% flat sales tax on all commerce 4.force of the coal sector in Montana I Occupation: Father, deacon, and politi- in the state. We are the fourth most tourist would cease in the expansion as I believe cal activist state. that coal and the effects coal have on the Family: Wife and daughter I believe in the private free flow of com- environment around it are a dying way of Education: High school and military, 2.merce and think that however we can industry. In the modern era I believe we self taught minimize tax payer support of social pro- should focus on selling the existing energy Past employment: Little of everything grams is best. We should move to defund we have based in coal to outside regions we Military: Army 2013-15 the state support of health care. should look at investing in diversifying our Political experience: Montana State I believe that if you are a customer en- energy interests. Libertarian board member 3.tering a establishment the owner has MMIW- I will work endlessly to Endorsements: N/A the right to say how to run his business and 5. bring awareness to the abduction Ways voters can contact you: you how to spend your money, with that of Missing and Murdered Indigenous a.) Email: [email protected] said I believe this goes unspoken therefore Women. b.) Address: PO Box 42, Terry, MT, 59349 the patron is bound by social contract of c.) Phone number: 936-349-6657 what ever risk comes of exchange of servic-

Fighting for Rural Montana

I am running for County Commissioner because I want to represent all of the constituents in our county and Kris spanjian community. I want to bring Honesty, Integrity and a New Vision for our future. for HD40 MetraPark must become more self-sustaining. I will work with both parties in the legislature in bringing back our fair share of revenue to our community. Common Sense Democrat Combining City and County offices will create more efficiency in Healthy People • Healthy Land building standards. We must work together in creating Healthy Economy a viable future for our young so they want to stay! Find out more at spanjian4mtleg.com Vote for Darryl Wilson for or on facebook at County Commissioner krisspanjianforHD40 Paid for by Darryl Wilson for County Commissioner 8522 S. Frontage Rd. Billings, MT 59101 - Democrat Paid for by Kris Spanjian for HD40, D, PO Box 21875, Billings, MT 59104

October 2020 5 HOUSE DISTRICT 40 puter technology, NASCAR Team, land- make ends meet during COVID. Therefore, pensation representatives. Both advised we scaping, tourism, Powersports dealerships; I would NOT support raising taxes. Places should be covered, since we had signs on the 14 years law enforcement to look for savings: 1) My bill from the 2017 doors, plenty of disinfectant wipes and had Military: U.S. Coast Guard special session implementing state employ- plenty of masks for staff or customers who Political experience: Two terms Rep- ee furloughs. 2) Rightsizing our state payroll might want one. resenting HD40; Vice Chairman Judiciary costs. 3) Cut outdated programs. 4) Elimi- Montana coal, oil, and gas industries Committee; Health and Human Services nate waste and fraud in all state agencies. 4.generated $250 million in local and Committee; Chairman Law and Justice In- 5) Several Republican statewide elected of- state tax revenue in 2018. We need these interim Committee; Criminal Justice Over- ficials have reduced their department bud- dustries! I have been sickened to watch our site Council; Montana Supreme Court Pre- gets in the last 4 years. Other state agencies current Governor turn his back on our nat- trial Diversion Advisory Committee; Vice should do the same. ural resources industry, the jobs it creates Chairman NCSL (National Conference of I did not support Medicaid Expansion and the communities it supports. We need State Legislators) Law, Justice and Public 2.in 2019. Some arguments were and still to find the proper legal challenges to put Safety Committee are: 1) Medicaid Expansion pays for abor- pressure on Washington state to open coal Endorsements: National Rifle Associa- tions. 2) The federal government is approxi- ports under the commerce clause. Our US tion; Montana Shooting Sports Association; mately $27 trillion in debt and cannot sus- senators and congressman need to mandate Montana Family Foundation; Families for tain their spending. 3) Montana’s Medicaid that the federal government make Colstrip Outdoor Recreation; Montanans for Lim- expenses have grown approximately 27% a strategic power plant. This means that it BARRY USHER ited Government per year for the last 16 years. 4) The medi- is essential to power grid reliability for na- Political party: Republican Ways voters can contact you: cal industry should not be relying on gov- tional security interests. Place of birth: Chambersburg, Penn. a.) Email: [email protected] ernment to subsidize their business model. Many are concerned about the consti- Home: 5425 Clapper Flat Rd Laurel b.) Address: 6900 S Frontage Rd Billings 5) Montana Medicaid expansion is a sham. 5.tutional & Legal authority of COVID Montana 59044 Montana 59101 Hospitals tax the sick and then receive back mandates, stay at home orders, business Occupation: Business owner c.) Phone number: (406) 252-2888 nearly 5 times from the government the tax closure orders, forced mask orders, school Family: Wife Ann Marie, four children, d.) Web page: www.facebook.com/Bar- their patients pay. restrictions and eliminating school fans in Jennifer (Tom), Katie, Brian (Jamie) and ryUsherForMontana I think the two legislators were right. the stands. I will support limiting the gov- Hannah and 5 grandchildren, Daniel, Rea- The Montana Legislative Fiscal Division 3.In todays litigious society, we should ernor’s emergency powers to 30 days with- gan, Barry, Allison and James 1.estimates show revenue down almost be protecting our businesses. As a small out legislative input and require county Past employment: 26 years business 13% in 2021 but back over pre-COVID rev- business owner, I contacted my business health officials to have accountability to -lo owner, various businesses including com- enue in 2022. Montanans are struggling to insurance agent and our workman’s com- cal elected authorities. HOUSE DISTRICT 40 cent Healthcare, Billings; cared for criti- ment departments should seek innovations given malpractice protection due to new cally ill and injured patients and their fami- to improve efficiency and cut waste, we and extenuating circumstances, assuming lies; Clinical Faculty with the University cannot cut back on essential services in this no gross negligence or malintent. of Washington School of Medicine and the time of need. It appears that market forces will soon Montana Family Medicine Residency; pre- If the entire ACA was repealed, com- 4.limit coal’s viability, unless pollu- viously Associate Professor at the Univer- 2.plete chaos would result in the health- tion concerns can be addressed with new sity of Colorado Health Sciences Center. care field. Hospitals and clinics have al- technology. The legislature should recog- Provided classroom and hands-on instruc- ready been hit financially by this pandemic nize this and take measures to assist our tion to young doctors in training as elective procedures have been curtailed coal-producing counties in retraining and Military: N/A and prolonged hospitalizations of CO- re-employing those workers into reclama- Political experience: Montana State VID patients incur uncompensated costs. tion and other energy sectors. Fortunately, Medical Board for 12 years. Ninety percent of Medicaid expansion is Montana has the resources and character Endorsements: Montana Federation of funded by the federal government, bring- to continue to provide energy from natural Public Employees; Montana Hospital As- ing our federal tax dollars back to Montana, gas, solar, wind, biofuels and oil and after sociation; Montana 55+; Billings Education helping working families access health- supplying our own residents, this power Association; Montana AFL-CIO; Doctors in care, improving outcomes and supporting can still be exported. But our Public Service Politics; Carol’s List healthcare jobs. If Medicaid expansion was Commission must allow all these different Ways voters can contact you: eliminated, Montanans would suffer, and energy producers to bargain on equal foot- KRIS SPANJIAN a.) Email: [email protected] rural communities would be dispropor- ing. Political party: Democrat b.) Address: PO Box 21875, Billings, MT tionately affected. I would support seeking Cattle ranchers in my district were Place of birth: Pasadena, California 59104 other revenue sources to continue this pro- 5.frustrated last year when a bill re- Home: Blue Grama Ranch, northwest of c.) Phone number: 406-861-4895 gram. enacting Country of Origin labeling was Billings, near Molt d.) Web page: spanjian4mtleg.com This pandemic has created unforeseen killed. When “COOL” was in effect – first Occupation: Retired physician, now If ever there was a time to use reserve 3.damage on all fronts and businesses statewide and then nationally – it identified working part-time due to COVID pandemic 1.funds, this would be it and according to doing their best to mitigate injury to their where the animal was born and raised, ben- Family: Married to Ray Gilbertson the Legislative Finance Committee report, patrons and employees will likely still see efitting both consumers and producers. But Education: Bachelor’s degree in zoology, we likely have enough. With the economic unfortunate outcomes. For this reason, I the law was repealed in 2015 under pressure University of California; MD, Dartmouth downturn in the wake of this pandemic, would support release from COVID-19 re- from Mexico, Canada and corporate meat Medical School; residency in Anesthesiol- Montanans cannot afford tax increases lated liability with the requirement that all processors who wanted to sell cheaper im- ogy, University of Colorado Health Sciences and the state government cannot afford tax CDC recommendations are followed, or ported beef. Last session, an attempt to re- Center; fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, cuts. Most of state spending goes to Health exemptions are approved by the local pre- instate COOL in Montana, led by the Mon- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. and Human Services and K – 12 Public Edu- siding public health official. In addition, tana Cattlemen’s Association and others, Past employment: Intensive Care Unit cation - programs that already operate on healthcare providers (including volunteers failed. I plan to work on a bipartisan bill to physician and anesthesiologist, St. Vin- slim margins. While I believe all govern- helping in this time of need) should also be bring back COOL for beef and pork. 6 October 2020 HOUSE DISTRICT 43

KERRI SEEKINS-CROWE ernment demanded that they make sacri- vulnerable populations. Businesses are not fices to flatten the curve. Now it is time for responsible for the spread of the virus and Political party: Republican the government to protect them and not the should not be held responsible. Birth place: Hardin, Montana other way around. The fastest way for Montana to kill its Home: Billings It is utterly ridiculous to think that 4.economy would be for us to get out of Occupation: Realtor 2.Montana can absorb the $800 million the energy business. In 2018 Montana coal, Family: I have four generation of family per year program (which covers 90,000 oil, and gas generated $250 million in tax who live in the Heights; Husband, Michael Montanans). The ACA was designed to revenue. Our natural resource industries Crowe; daughter, Ashley Crowe; son, Chan- essentially bribe states to expand their are the foundation of tax revenue and jobs. dler Crowe; daughter-in-law, Hope Crowe; Medicaid programs. The federal govern- Putting pressure on Washington to open grandchildren: Easton and Bailey; parents: ment’s free money is very expensive, and it back up the ports, making Colstrip a stra- Larry and April Seekins is a nightmare for the middleclass taxpayer tegic power plant, and streamlining the Education: Master’s degree in business who is shouldering the tax burden while si- permitting processes are essential to se- administration multaneously experiencing higher costs in curing our Montana economic and energy Ways voters can contact you: health care and premiums. The answer is future. Email: [email protected] going back to the free market to ensure more Montanans are concerned that one Web page: KerriSeekinsCrowe.com choices, less expensive options, and flexibil- 5.person in the state unilaterally shut It is short-sighted to focus on the state’s ity in insurance coverage. down the economy. While Covid is also a 1.budget when approximately 60% of So far there has been an abundance of concern, separation from family members, businesses that were forced to shut down 3.effort to supposedly “protect” public being unable to attend church, loss of jobs, will never reopen. Small businesses and safety. It has come at a cost of putting people and economic ruin has become a reality families are hurting because of the shut- out of work, shutting down small businesses for many Montanans. Never again. I will down. It is imperative that we significantly and not allowing parents to watch their kids do everything in my power to ensure that trim the state’s budget and take the burden play sports. Our rights have been trampled never again will one person in the state and of the overgrown, bloated government pro- and our Constitution ignored. It is time that in each county be able to dictate the lives of grams off the backs of the people who really we fully open back up businesses and allow Montanans with so little guidance, so little make this state run – the middle class and people to make choices. It is a virus. It is go- concrete information, and so little concern small businessmen and women. The gov- ing to spread. Protect yourself. Protect the for the Constitutional rights of Montanans.

Re-Elect Tony O’Donnell TOny O’DOnnEll iS a gOOD FRiEnD Public Service Commissioner — OF COlSTRiP Diligent, Fair and Responsive As Public Service Commissioner serving Southeastern Montana, For 3½ years Tony O’Donnell has Tony O’Donnell has proven time prevented about $85 MILLION IN after time, to be a good friend UNFAIR ELECTRIC RATE INCREASES of Colstrip. At stake are 700 from being on Montana’s ratepayer highpaying jobs, so important utility bills —with NO reduction in to the area’s economy. The community of 2,300 people faces reliability. The heat and lights are an uncertain future. We need still on. Keep Tony working for you. to keep Tony O’Donnell on the Paid for by Tony O’Donnell for Public Service Commissioner, job as Montana Public Service 1810 Syllvan Lane, Billings, MT 59105--Republican Commissioner.

October 2020 7 HOUSE DISTRICT 44

TERRY DENNIS The best way to improve Revenue is to this case would be compliance with well 1.control the epidemic. I believe epidemic thought out and effective standards to pre- Political party: Democrat control will maximize the State economy. vent transmission of disease. If such stan- Birth place: Huron, South Dakota We need to learn to live with this virus dards could be implemented that insured Home: Billings Heights through careful, coordinated epidemiology public safety then I would not oppose con- Occupation: Retired internal medicine based action. Using some of the reserve to ferring some form of immunity to compliant physician address this crisis makes sense. Any cuts in businesses and organizations. Family: Married to Deanna Stops Den- services should minimize impact on low and The legislature should support innova- nis; five adult daughters; 10 grandchildren. middle income families since they have suf- 4.tion in the energy sector. Thermal coal Education: Bachelor’s degree, Luther fered the most. Upper income families ap- is a 19th century technology that the market College, Decorah, Iowa; MD University of pear to have economically suffered the least is rejecting. Maintaining its place in the en- Iowa; master’s degree in public health epi- so any supplemental taxes should be direct- ergy mix for as long as it is feasible without demiology, University of Minnesota ed to high income taxpayers but I doubt ad- major capital being invested by the State or Past employment: Rural and Migrant ditional taxes will be necessary if we control ratepayers is reasonable. Montana should Farm Worker Community Health Center in COVID. push to be an innovator in 21st century en- Michigan; Hennepin County Medical Cen- Elimination of federal funding of Med- ergy technologies such as wind and solar. ter and University of Minnesota School of 2.icaid expansion would be a disaster High voltage transmission capacity should Medicine; Indian Health Service; private for Montana. Consequent job losses would be optimized. practice of medicine, Saint Vincent Health- have a negative economic impact. Safety net The haphazard, chaotic nature of infant care, Billings Clinic. health resources would have to be bolstered 5.and child daycare availability is an is- Military: None with the money from the State match. Costs sue for many families. Paid maternal leave Political experience: Board of directors would shift to the insured and those without is sporadic. Most developed countries pro- National Rural Health Association; Mon- insurance would likely be bankrupted. Since vide over 6 months of paid maternal leave. tana Public Health Improvement task force; many on Medicaid expansion are working Six months of leave would relieve pressure served on various health related boards poor, it would further destabilize their fam- on the daycare system. More resources Endorsements: Doctors in Politics, ilies and their communities. I doubt there would then be available for older children. Planned Parenthood would be a political consensus to enter the Many mothers could return to employment Ways voters can contact you: working poor into employer based insur- and income at the pre-child level. It would a.) Email: [email protected] ance or support State taxes to supplant the promote stability within families. It would b.) Address: PO Box 50545, Billings, Mt Federal component. facilitate many young families having chil- 59105 Any consideration of immunity from dren who will be the future citizens of Mon- c.) Phone number: 406.860.2168 3.lawsuits implies compliance with an tana. Cost would likely be less than current d.) Web page: dennisformt.com underlying standard of behavior which in seasonal worker unemployment payments.

HOUSE DISTRICT 44

LARRY BREWSTER No on the tax increases. If cuts are need- solar. The cutback in oil production creates 1.ed it would be non-essential services doubt about the long-term price of natural Political party: Republican first, then others as needed. I don’t intend to gas and its availability. We need reliability Place of birth: cut state taxes in the next budget if revenues from our energy suppliers, everyone wants Home: Billings Heights are down. Cutting taxes depends on where their lights to come on when they throw the Occupation: Retired from Northwest- the revenues come in. switch. The legislature can help by provid- ern Energy Montana doesn’t have the ability that ing the PSC with rules that make reliability Family: Married 47 years, two grown 2.the federal government does to manu- a priority at reasonable prices. But consider- children facture cash. That they can just print more ing coal as an option until the reliability of Education: Electronics communica- money or worse, more digital cash. We ac- alternatives is real and the prices are afford- tions and Industrial electrician votek at Ida- tually have to have the money to do things, able. ho State University I can’t see Montana’s citizens wanting large I think the greatest issue is tax reform. Past employment: Northwestern En- tax increases to keep that program afloat. I 5.We need take the tax system that has ergy 35 years think those who would want those large in- been modified at the edges for years and Military: U.S. Army 1969 to 1972 creases would likely have to reduce spend- reform it in a way that provides for simplic- Political experience: Six Years Bill- ing on other programs to continue this one. ity and transparency in how and where we ings School board, 11 Years on Billings City We may have to reconsider how far we could collect taxes and make it easier to see how Council spread the original Medicaid program. their spent. This is a long-term project but it Endorsements: Montana Shooting I could see some protection except for needs to be done. I would to at least try to get Sports, Montana Family Foundation, Public 3.gross negligence or criminal acts. it considered for an interim study. Employees association. The energy economy is very important Ways voters can contact you: 4.in eastern Montana, the loss of coal a.) Email: [email protected] fired generation plants both in Montana and b.) Address:1216 Babcock Blvd, Billings, the west coasts creates a number of prob- MT 59105 lems for energy providers. No electric grid c.) Phone number: 406-670-0929 can function properly without anchor plants d.) Web page:larrybrewstermt.com to deal with the variable nature of wind and

8 October 2020 HOUSE DISTRICT 46

gis; one terrier mix, and a cat. We consider If we are able to cover it, why make and the only way to do that is to follow my son’s mother, Kelsey Greenfield, and his 1.cuts? People are already out of work, public health guidance, even if it changes half-brother part of our family. and cuts to services will only add to that. month-to-month or day-to-day. It can be Education: Bachelor’s degree in net- The same goes for raising taxes—everyone frustrating watching the scientific process work management, majoring in Cisco Sys- is hurting and trying to make ends meet, unfold in realtime, but that doesn’t make it tems. so raising taxes is also not good. Is this any less valid. Past employment: While in college in not the exact type of situation for which Clean energy. Montana, our coun- Denver, I worked for an ISP/MSP named we have reserve funding? We can rebuild 4.try, and private enterprise must ac- Microtech-tel (MTT). I traveled around the reserve funds on the other side of this cept that clean energy is the future. I will U.S. designing, configuring, and installing pandemic. And please wear a mask, so we work with environmental science gurus medium to small size business networks, end this sooner and decrease the impact to to determine the best course of action to including the Girl Scouts of Colorado and Montanans. We can fight this, together, as balance the adjustments needed to bring a school district in Ohio. After college I a community. clean energy right alongside coal, working moved back to Billings and worked remotely I am not comfortable speculating towards making the switch to 100% clean with MTT, now New Cloud Networks, driv- 2.about the outcome of a yet-to-be-de- energy. ing to and from Salt Lake City every Sunday. cided Supreme Court case or the actions of Prior to the recent Supreme Court de- I eventually started working on the Net- Congress regarding the ACA or Medicaid 5.cision, LGBTQ individuals could be work Team at Billings Clinic before leaving funding. Medicaid expansion is valuable fired and evicted for who they are or who to start my own company. to many Montanans, and I will do every- they love in many states, including Mon- Military: N/A thing in power to keep vulnerable Mon- tana. The driving force behind my deci- Political experience: This is my first tanans covered. sion to run is that we seem to have for- ZACH LADSON time running for office. Businesses that are doing their best gotten that people are people. “… all men Political party: Democrat Endorsements: Planned Parenthood 3.to enforce public health guidance and are created equal, that they are endowed Place of Birth: Billings Advocates of Montana mandates should receive immunity from by their Creator with certain unalienable Home: Billings Ways voters can contact you: liability lawsuits regarding the spread of Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty Occupation: Self-employed, equal a.) Email: [email protected] COVID-19. Those businesses who are not and the Pursuit of Happiness.” The Decla- member in Nerd Rager LLC, a game and b.) Address: 500 19th St. W. Billings, MT enforcing the mask mandate, are consis- ration of Independence says so much about hobby store. 59102 tently over capacity, etc. should not receive who we, as a country, aspire to be, and we Family: Married to Kayla Ladson (for- c.) Phone number: 406-208-4496 such immunity. The only way Montana must move toward ensuring equality for merly Corcoran); 14-year-old son; two cor- d.) Web page: http://zachladson.com returns to normal is to control the spread, all people. Terry Dennis HD 44 Husband, father, doctor, epidemiologist Vote for I will advocate for: • Working families Rae • Education and job skills training • Affordable, accessible, PePPeRs quality healthcare for Senate DiStrict 21 • Small businesses, farmers, ranchers, and job creators I am hardworking and I will work • Access to public lands • Effective response to hard for the people of Montana! COVID-19 epidemic Endorsed by Emily’s List – “During her time in the state House, Rae was an Contact me: Web: dennisformt.com unwavering advocate for women in Montana. Facebook: dennis for montana We are confident she will continue to be a fierce E-mail: [email protected] leader as a state senator. Paid for by Rae Peppers for SD21, PO Box 497, Lame Deer MT 59043 - Democrat Paid for by Dennis for Montana - Democrat P.O. Box 50545 - Billings, MT 59105

October 2020 9 HOUSE DISTRICT 46 Past employment: United States At- ernment spending. A strength of Montana’s approach. torney, District of Montana (2001-2009); Constitution is its requirement that the bud- Montana’s tax revenues make it clear Acting Associate Attorney General, U.S. get be balanced. As a limited government 4.that natural resource development is Department of Justice (2006-2007); Prin- conservative, I would first look for ways not occurring at levels previously observed. cipal Associate Deputy Attorney General, to reduce state spending and programs. I Montana is still the Treasure State. We have U.S. Department of Justice (2005-2006); served on the Appropriations Committee little control over markets outside of Mon- Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Montana in the 2019 session. From that experience, I tana, but we should be committed to meet- (1994-2001); Senior Policy Analyst, Office remain convinced that spending may be re- ing demand for energy and minerals through of Policy Development, U.S. Department of duced to address shortfalls. development of our natural resources. Mon- Justice (1989-1994); Presidential Manage- When Congress passed the ACA tanans benefit from jobs created by mining ment Intern, Revenue Estimating Division, 2.(Obamacare) in 2010 over the objec- and electrical generation, and state and local U.S. Dept. of the Treasury (1988-1989). tion of every Republican, the individual government utilize tax revenues from these Military: N/A mandate, not Medicaid Expansion, got all operations to fund government and non- Political experience: Montana House the attention. Ten years later, Montana has profits. The Legislature must create an ap- of Representatives (2019-2020); Montana over 82,000 citizens covered by Medicaid propriate regulatory climate to incentivize Board of Crime Control (2001-2004) Expansion. If the Supreme Court invali- natural resource development, but it is not Endorsements: Montana Family Foun- dates the ACA, Montana could not afford to the function of government to create mar- dation; Montana Shooting Sports Associa- maintain the program. The federal govern- kets. tion ment is paying 90% of the costs, but Mon- Constituents have questioned whether Ways voters can contact you: tana’s costs exceed $ 250 million annually. 5.there is meaningful oversight of state BILL MERCER a.) Email: [email protected] Medicaid Expansion is another example of agencies and their programs by the Legis- Political party: Republican b.) Address: P.O. Box 2118, Billings, MT Congress increasing spending that is unsus- lature. After a term in the Legislature, my Place of birth: Billings 59103 tainable. It is not unrealistic to assume that answer is no. I have found the Montana Home: Billings c.) Phone number: (406) 698-1671 Montana could return to its pre-Obamacare Legislature to be the opposite of Congress. Occupation: Attorney, Holland & Hart d.) Web page: www.mercerforlegislature. Medicaid program (without Medicaid Ex- Congress spends little time legislating and LLP com pansion). focuses on oversight of federal executive Family: Married to Marci; two children. The current revenue forecast suggests I would support such legislation, but I branch agencies. In Montana, legislators Education: Billings Public Schools; 1.that Montana’s current government 3.favor a narrowly-tailored exception that are fully engaged in developing and passing bachelor’s degree University of Montana, spending levels will be unsustainable in Fis- would preclude immunity for grossly negli- bills, but do little to monitor and evaluate 1986; master’s degree, Harvard University cal Year 2022. Although the forecast could gent or reckless conduct that caused an inju- executive branch agencies during and after (John F. Kennedy School of Government), either worsen or improve, the Legislature ry. I would not favor conditioning the waiver the legislative meets. I will work to create an 1988; J.D., George Mason University School will decide whether to raise taxes and fees to based upon certain factors, which would be oversight role for the budget committees in of Law, 1993. cover existing levels of spending or cut gov- impractical to establish as a one-size fits all the interim.

HOUSE DISTRICT 47

Education: Bachelor’s degree, math- The Governor created economic A voter told me the general populace economics minor, geology Rocky Mountain 2.downturn will substantially increase 4.has bought into the lies of the envi- College those eligible for Medicaid. The next leg- ronmentalists and we should simply let Past employment: Morrison Knudsen islative session must deal with this chal- them live with the truth. A snapshot of the Corp.; Superior Welding Supplies; Superior lenge whether it is exacerbated by the col- blackouts California has shows us where Archery lapse of ACA or not. For years Medicaid this leads. As a state and as a nation, I don’t Military: N/A spending and dependency has grown. This believe any of us want the California mod- Political experience: N/A was never the intent of the original Medic- el to be our future. However, this may well Endorsements: N/A aid program. be our future. You see, you can lead a horse Ways voters can contact you: It is painfully obvious “tax and spend” to water but you can’t make it drink. The a.) Email: [email protected] solutions don’t reduce the need, but rather silent majority apparently chooses com- b.) Address: 2238 Ridgeview Drive, Bill- increase the need, for Medicaid. The an- placency and to be led by the nose ring like ings, MT 59105 swer to this Medicaid challenge is to kick a bull to slaughter. c.) Phone number: 406-690-5676 the economy into high gear, create jobs We are losing our Montana values! d.) Web page: TJSmith4Montana.com and work ourselves out of the mess…not 5. Specific examples given were HB146 Because the Governor’s COVID orders tax ourselves into a bigger mess. and SB354. HB146 was to stop sanctuary 1.created major revenue shortfalls the Like most flus, we are dealing with cities in Montana. “We are for legal im- next biennium will be fraught with very 3.an airborne virus which travels with migration. We want law abiding citizens tough decisions. While spending cuts are a air movement. It is our responsibility to in Montana.” This is straight forward, short term solution, the long term solution learn about the virus, our responsibility to yet most Democrats voted against the is to kick the economy into high gear. The know if we are part of the “at risk” popu- bill and Bullock vetoed the bill.SB354, longest lasting, most efficient way to do this lation, and our decision to assume the risk “Montana Born-Alive Infant Protection TJ SMITH is deregulation. Imagine deregulation rees- of working with others. It is not the re- Act,” speaks for itself. One lady stated Political party: Republican tablishing opportunity for all…opportunity sponsibility of our employer to hide us in it best, “Once a baby is born ‘choice’ no Place of birth: Livingston, Montana which creates new small businesses fueling a cocoon away from all harm. Our country longer exists.” I didn’t find one person Home: Billings job growth. This looming budget crisis hap- promises freedom and opportunity. With believing in taking a life after birth. It’s Occupation: Retired pens to be the perfect opportunity for us to such freedom comes great responsibility. unimaginable that Governor Bullock Family: My wife, Leigh, married for 42 stop robbing from the next generation. Now The opportunities we choose always come would even think about vetoing this bill, years. We have two children, both married, is the perfect time to begin the task of leav- with risk. The choice is our decision and it yet he did. and two grandchildren. ing our children a manageable future. is our responsibility to shoulder the risk. 10 October 2020 HOUSE DISTRICT 47 EdD adult ed with specialization in harm residents and businesses ity care, and the loss of income to tween 2028 and 2043. Of course, special ed (MSU Bozeman) that need immediate assistance. rural critical care hospitals could in the near future there will be de- Past employment: Program In addition, severe cuts could re- result in closing their doors. mand for coal in the U.S. and Asia, coordinator, shared ministry, Lu- duce demand in the economy and Understandably, business but that is predicted to diminish as theran Church of the Good Shep- potentially prolong the state’s 3.owners, workers and cus- nations move away from carbon- herd; executive director of Billings economic recovery. Instead of tomers are concerned about po- emitting coal. The Legislature Head Start, Inc.; assistant profes- using spending cuts exclusively, tential liabilities as businesses needs to prepare the economy for sor of special education, MSU- a better approach is to balance open up and employees return to reductions in coal exports and to Billings; executive director of Par- a number of strategies; such as, work. General liability insurance support other energy sources, in- ents, Let’s Unite for Kids. seeking efficiencies, using all policies cover illnesses, but do re- cluding natural gas and renewable Military: N/A available resources (federal dol- quire businesses to take proper energy resources like wind, solar, Political experience: Billings lars), scrutinizing spending, im- precautions. To be safe, busi- small hydro, and low-emission Public Schools trustee (1983-1993, proving collections, prioritizing nesses should strive to follow pub- biomass. 2000-2006); legislator HD 47, basic services, raising some fees lic health guidelines. In Billings The cost of prescription drugs. 2014-16, 2016-2018, 2018-2020 or taxes, and paying attention to we are fortunate the Chamber of 5.The reason medications are Endorsements: AFL-CIO; how choices affect the recovery. Commerce took the lead in devel- so expensive is that the United KATHY KELKER Sportsmen Alliance; Billings Edu- If the federal government oping Open and Safe Business Re- States has no government panel Political party: Democrat cation Assoc.; Montana Conser- 2.stopped paying 90% of the start that provides information for negotiating drug prices. There Place of birth: Cleveland, vation Voters Medicaid Expansion cost, the implementing COVID-19 guide- are thousands of health insurance Ohio Ways voters can contact you: Legislature could not pick up that lines. Particularly helpful are sug- plans. Each plan has to negoti- Home: Billings a.) Email: [email protected] cost—about $600 million per gestions for safety measures for ate separately its price with drug- Occupation: Retired teacher b.) Address: P.O. Box 20254, Bill- year. Nearly one in 10 Montanans businesses in the same industry. makers. One avenue to reduce cost and non—profit director ings, 59104-1535 would no longer have health in- I don’t think the legislature needs is to identify the role pharmacy Family: Paul H. Kelker, MD c.) Phone number: 406-698-5610 surance. For patients, this would to interfere with local projects that benefits managers play. PBMs ne- (husband); Stephen, Matt, Sara d.) Web page: https:// mean limited access to preventa- are helping businesses recover. gotiate price discounts from re- (Ron), and Christopher (adult chil- votekathykelker.com tive care and treatment for chronic The economic impacts of tail pharmacies and rebates from dren). As the Legislature faces illnesses. For the state’s economy, 4.decline in coal production pharmaceutical manufacturers. I Education: Bachelor’s in Eng- 1.shortfalls in revenue, the easy it would result in a loss of 7,500 are significant. A study by Uni- have a bill requiring PBMs operat- lish summa cum laude (Hiram approach is to look at reductions jobs and between $385 million versity of Montana indicates the ing in Montana to provide an an- College); master’s in special edu- in services. But relying solely in income annually. Clinics and state would lose 3,000 jobs and nual report of how drug rebates are cation with high honors (MSUB); on widespread budget cuts will hospitals would see a rise in char- $80 million in revenues yearly be- shared with patients. REELECT FRankF FLEmingming FoRo HD51 Frank Fleming is serving you as montana’s representativeepresent F For house District 51

Frank Fleming is Fighting For montana

Public Safety – 28 years in law enForcement

Job creation – Former manager oF the Billings JoB service

2nd amendment rightS – the nra has enDorseD Frank For hD51

natural reSourceS – i support natural resource Development

learn more at FrankFlemingFormontana.org

PaiD FoR by FLEming FoR LEgisLaTuRE 626 souTH 38TH sTREET WEsT #22, biLLings, mT 59102 REPubLiCan

October 2020 11 HOUSE DISTRICT 48

Education: Master’s degree, and employee, I also must make Montana cannot have a robust damage to Earth’s environment. post-grad business marketing and such adjustments though obvi- 3.economy without employers’ Montana coal, oil, and gas gener- finance ously on a much smaller scale. I see ability to open their businesses. ated $250 million in local and state Past employment: Currently no reason for state government to Personal responsibility plays a tax revenue in 2018. Wind generated employed by Stock Market Ana- shirk its fiscal responsibility, once significant role in the health and about $8.5 million in local tax rev- lyst & Newsletter Publication again putting the onus on the tax- well-being of all individuals. Ex- enue. Pressuring Washington state Military: N/A payer. Montana’s Constitution re- emption from liability should not to open their coal ports under the Political experience: N/A quires a balanced budget. exclude responsibility on the part commerce clause as they are pro- Endorsements: N/A Medicaid expansion is an ex- of all participants in transactions hibiting interstate and international Ways voters can contact you: 2.ample of a government-run in which there is social contact. commerce by closing ports to coal a.) Email: leigh4mt-hd48@ program gone wild. Like gov- If employers provide protec- exports is one answer. outlook.com ernment-run/taxpayer-funded tions for employees, employees Many of the voters I have spo- b.) Address: P O Box 23313, Bill- Healthcare, there is no will or take responsibility for their own 5.ken with in Montana House ings, Montana 59104 mechanism to prevent a continu- safety and that of customers, and District 48 have expressed con- c.) Phone number: ance in expansion to cover the customers take responsibility for cern about the increase in drug d.) Web page: https://leighfor- needs of an ever-increasing popu- their own and others’ safety, there addiction in conjunction with montana.com/contact/ lace that embraces dependency. should be no need for exemption homelessness and their impact on Because Montana’s Consti- During my years living overseas, I from liability. We cannot always the quality of life of other citizens. 1.tution requires a balanced experienced a system of socialized depend on the best behavior of Currently, Billings’ City Council budget, shifting costs to reserve medicine which sometimes led to others, employers and employees seems to be following the example LEIGH VERRILL-RHYS funding is one way of meeting the delays in treatment, occasionally should be granted protections. of cities that assist addicts by pro- Political party: Republican constitutional obligation of the denial of service as well as the de- Montana’s natural resources viding “safe” injection sites and Place of birth: Lewiston, state legislature. Under the cir- terioration of personal responsi- 4.are this state’s treasure. Pull- turn a blind eye on the homeless Maine cumstances of the COVID-19 im- bility. Cost to Montana taxpayers ing out of fossil fuel production population instead of confront- Home: Billings pact on the state’s economy, it is of Medicaid is $1.9 Billion per year, would be a foolish step based on ing the underlying causes of both Occupation: Writer, website the responsibility of the legislature with no limit to the programs that the highly contentious opinion as well as drug dealing and traf- developer, chief finance officer to make adjustments to spending are/will be included. A free society that such resources are contribut- ficking which, in turn, cause the Family: Husband; three sons; but not necessarily at the expense cannot afford to fund healthcare ing to an equally contentious the- increasing levels of property and six grandchildren of fiscal reserves. As a homeowner for the able-bodied. ory of CO2 causing “existential” violent crime.

HOUSE DISTRICT 48

ley Medlinsky Ways voters can contact you: many Montana industries depend The legislature should sup- Education: Bachelor’s degree a.) Email: Jessica.karjala@ upon it. The bottom line is that if 4.port sustainable, clean en- in English literature, University gmail.com federal funding for Medicaid Ex- ergy like wind, solar, and hydro of Montana; minor curriculum b.) Address: pansion is lost, we cannot make and implement net metering and Spanish and nonprofit adminis- c.) Phone number: (406) 672- up for the loss of funding at the continue to fight Northwest En- tration 8681 state level. Montana simply does ergy’s attempt to monopolize and Past employment: Advocate d.) Web page: https://www. not have enough taxpayers as it is prioritize their shareholders at the and benefits planner, residential facebook.com/Jessica-Kar- to sufficiently funds services and expense of Montana’s utility rate property business owner, market- jala-for-Montana-Legisla- programs within our current tax payers. Two years of record setting ing director, finance and invest- ture-839988286090059/ system and unless we were to dra- California fire seasons have prov- ment I don’t support increasing tax- matically overhaul our entire sys- en climate change is destroying Military: N/A 1.es, nor do I support a flat sales tem we would not be able to make our environment and our health Political experience: Mon- tax. However, because Montana up for the loss of federal funding to and it will continue to get worse tana House of Representatives already runs one of the leanest sustain Medicaid Expansion. until we change to more environ- 2015-current; campaign volun- governments in the US and be- We do not allow businesses mentally friendly, sustainable, and teer; Move On volunteer; founder cause the 2017 session proved we 3.and/or employers immunity cost-effective sources of energy. local chapter Coffee Party cannot cut further without risk- from liability for other forms of safe- Diabetes is a growing prob- Endorsements: Montana ing peoples’ lives, we must develop ty and life-threatening practices so 5.lem in Montana with children AFL-CIO - American Federa- new sources of revenue and diver- we should not approach covid-19 the fastest growing demographic tion of Labor and Congress of In- sify revenue collection. By taxing any differently. If the refineries can at risk for Type 2 diabetes. At the JESSICA KARJALA dustrial Organizations, MFPE people from out of state who come follow far more burdensome safety same time Insulin prices have Political party: Democrat - Montana Federation of Public to Montana for travel and/or to requirements to keep their work- been skyrocketing and during a Place of birth: Denver, Colo- Employees, Montana Rural Vot- purchase a second home and tap- ers alive and safe from fire, deadly pandemic and growing economic rado; raised in Geyser, Montana ers, Montana 55+ Action Fund, ping into app and web economies gases and toxins, then other busi- hardship, they are creating an Home: Billings BEA - Billings Education Associa- and legalizing and taxing mari- nesses can certainly require masks even bigger burden for those who Occupation: Legislator, con- tion, Montana Sportsmen’s Alli- juana, we can stem any potential and social distancing. It is not dif- rely on it to stay alive and healthy. sultant, volunteer ance, Brotherhood of Locomotive shortfalls and avoid harming the ficult and the sooner and more thor- That’s why I am working with the Family: Husband, Jon Koso- Engineers and Trainmen, Billings hard working people of Montana. oughly we follow the guidelines the American Diabetes Association vich; daughters, Kaitlin Baretta Association of Realtors, Local 30 sooner we can get back to normal. and other statewide stakeholders and Josie Baretta; stepsons, Ca- Pipefitters Union, Carol’s List, Montana Medicaid Expansion Thank you to all who have followed to pass legislation that would cap den Kosovich, Jarek Kosovich and MCV - Montana Conservation 2.has proven to be incredibly and enforced the Governor’s safety out of pocket costs for insulin at Bowen Kosovich; grandson, Stan- Voters popular because lives, jobs and protocols. $35 in the state of Montana.

12 October 2020 What am I goIng to fIghtfIght for? OUR FAMILIES • Affordable health care for all Montanans • Access to comprehensive and affordable mental health care • Working toward solutions for all missing and murdered indigenous people OUR FUTURE • Affordable childcare • Putting our schools first • Ending the opioid and meth epidemics • Empowering those in poverty by building a stronger economy OUR MONTANAMONT • Protecting public lands • Keeping the environment healthy • Supporting workers’ rights and small businesses Please contact me to learn more! Paid for by Hannah Olson for Montana, Democrat PO Box 30901, Billings, MT 59107 [email protected] @hannahformontana www.hannahformontana.com

October 2020 13 HOUSE DISTRICT 49

EMMA KERR-CARPENTER unless the federal government provides support liability protections for businesses Political party: Democrat relief for state and local budgets. Our state that follow all public health recommenda- Place of birth: Watertown, New York budget is already very lean, especially af- tions. This includes requiring proper mask Home: Billings ter the 2017 session. Further cuts should be usage for all employees and customers, not Occupation: Sales a method of last resort after the legislature forcing sick employees to work, and refus- Family: Dan Cohn (spouse) has utilized all possible funds from special ing service to customers who refuse to fol- Education: Bachelor’s in religion and revenue accounts, made internal loans, low public health guidelines. bachelor’s in international relations from and reduced revenue expenditures (i.e. tax Montana should create good jobs Boston University credits). 4.in new energy industries that keep Past employment: Community educa- Eliminating healthcare for one in families healthy and don’t worsen climate tion coordinator at Youth Dynamics 2.ten Montanans during the middle change. Montana’s transmission infra- Military: N/A of a global pandemic and deep recession structure will ensure it remains an elec- Political experience: Legislator for would be a cruel and ugly outcome that I tricity exporter, but we cannot force other House District 49, 2019 hope does not happen. Many rural hospi- states to buy types of energy that they don’t Endorsements: Carol’s List; Montana tals would disappear practically overnight want. Incentivizing investments in solar Conservation Voters; Brotherhood of Lo- leaving much of Montana without adequate and wind power will create new high paying comotive Engineers & Trainmen; Montana medical facilities. I would work to preserve jobs. Meanwhile, miners should be offered AFL-CIO; Montana Rural Voters Action healthcare for as many Montanans as pos- jobs in mine reclamation, paid training in Fund; Montana Federation of Public Em- sible. This would involve shifting some their choice of industry, and compensation ployees PAC portion of the expansion population over to if their new wage is lower. We also can’t Ways voters can contact you: regular Medicaid and partnering with the weaken laws requiring mine cleanup: this a.) Email: emmaformontana@gmail. healthcare industry, private insurance in- won’t save coal and would saddle us with com dustry, and Montana employers to find an polluted, unusable land. b.) Address: 425 Burlington Ave, Billings, affordable high quality healthcare option Rising property taxes and the way this MT 59101 for everyone else. 5.squeezes folks on fixed incomes is a c.) Phone number: 406-894-0377 Protecting worker health and safety is constant concern of my constituents. In d.) Web page: www.emmaformontana. 3.of the upmost importance to me. No one the short term, I am working on a tax bill to org should be forced to work in conditions that provide relief for individuals without im- Montana may be luckier than many endanger their health. Forcing sick employ- pacting the budget of local communities. In 1.states in that our projected revenue ees to work endangers the health of employ- the longer term, I will work with colleagues shortfall is going to be much smaller than ees and everyone else in our community. in the legislature to give local communities many states. That said, legislators are going The best thing we can do for our businesses more tools for raising revenue such as local to have to get creative with existing funds is work to end the pandemic quickly. I would option authority.

HOUSE DISTRICT 50

MALLERIE STROMSWOLD waste fraud and abuse. Surely there are I would support reasonable legislation places to reduce spending in antiquated pro- 3.that would protect businesses from Political party: Republican grams that we no longer need. In addition, a COVID-19 lawsuits assuming willful mis- Place of birth: Billings recent audit of Montana Medicaid found conduct, reckless or intentional harm by the Home: Billings $80-$150 million of questionable costs. business owner are excluded. Occupation: Student These should be eliminated immediately. Montana generated $250 million in tax Family: Single Businesses need to make cuts in spending 4.revenue from coal, oil, and gas in 2018. Education: Student at Penn State online during hard times. Why can’t the govern- To get out of the energy business would Past employment: Nanny ment? I do not support cutting legitimate be imprudent. In order to protect our en- Military: N/A spending for the most vulnerable Montan- ergy security and the revenue and jobs that Political experience: Volunteering ans including the mentally ill, disabled, natural resources produce, we must keep for political campaigns, voter registration, children, and the elderly. Colstrip and legally pressure the state of House Page in 2019 session for Representa- Medicaid expansion is approximately Washington to allow the development of tive Bill Mercer, Republican nominee for 2.a $1.6 billion program in Montana of coal ports so Montana can export its coal. House District 50 Billings. which 10% is state funds. It would be impos- I would also support pressuring our Wash- Endorsements: Young Americans For sible to fund this program within our state’s ington delegation to designate the Colstrip Liberty, Rated A+ NRA, Montanans For budget. Therefore, we need to look at alter- power plants as essential to national secu- Limited Government natives. There are thousands of people on rity. Ways voters can contact you: Medicaid expansion that are able-bodied, An issue that Montanans care about and a.) Email: [email protected] single adults. Single moms with children 5.has been brought up to me while speak- b.) Address: PO Box 20014 Billings MT would have a much higher need for Medic- ing with constituents has been the issue of 59104 aid than able-bodied adults. Traditionally, public lands. Even though most Montan- c.) Phone number: 406-530-5655 Medicaid covered the vulnerable, pregnant an’s push for access, we still have legislators d.) Web page: www.malleriestromswold. mothers, the mentally ill, children, and the trying to limit this access in a multitude com elderly. If we had to make cuts in our pro- of ways. If elected, I will fight for our pub- As a legislator, I will not support a tax grams, I would support the vulnerable over lic lands and vote against any bill that may 1.increase. All governments struggle with able-bodied adults. threaten our access or use of them. 14 October 2020 HOUSE DISTRICT 50

JADE BAHR The effects of COVID-19 will have long you and you have heard the varying perspec- 1.lasting effects on Montanans and our tives from the different stakeholders. What Political party: Democrat economy. The pandemic has shown who the we can probably agree on is that we want our Place of birth: Crow Agency real essential workers are. It is not us politi- community to succeed and we want to come to Home: South Side Billings (I live in my dis- cians and CEOs sitting behind our desks. Our an agreement that best avoid the most damag- trict) frontline, on-the-ground workers are the ones ing affects to businesses and to public health. Occupation: Vocational specialist for actually providing services to meet our ba- We are witnessing a trend in the country adults with disability sic human needs. The pandemic has shown 4.and world to divest from coal. As a state, Family: Two cats, a wonderful mother and that we currently do not operate in such a way I would view it wise for us to do our best to dear brother. that best protects people in times of crisis. We prepare for such an event. The longer we hang Education: Bachelor’s degree in sociology must look back on where we lacked in meeting onto this form of energy consumption the less w/emphasis in inequalities and social justice these needs and decide how to shape our bud- time we have in properly transitioning to a Past employment: Program assistant for get from there. new one. There are individuals and families Big Brothers Big Sisters, Missoula Parks and If federal funding ended for Medicaid, I currently depending on the jobs generated by Rec., New Day, inc. group home and day facil- 2.would view this as a crisis for Montan- this sector and they should absolutely be taken ity ans. This would mean working with other care of during this transition. It will not be Military: N/A concerned legislators, providers and organi- perfect or easy, but I am ready to reimagine a Political experience: Served in the 2019 zations to identify our options we must do to Montana leading the way in energy innova- legislative session. maintain healthcare for our people. The fact of tions. Endorsements: AFL-CIO, MFPE, BEA, the matter is that most individuals on Medic- One constituent recently reached out to MCV, MT Rural Voters, MT 55+, Future Now, aid who can work are working and those who 5.me because they felt there are still gaps in SMART Transportation Union, Human are not, simply cannot. Taking away their how we deal with our Missing and Murdered Right’s Campaign, Emily’s List, Carol’s List, healthcare would not only impact the health of Indigenous People. I then helped to direct Planned Parenthood. our Montanans but also our economy. This, on them to the avenues currently reviewing these Ways voters can contact you: top of the impacts of COVID, is detrimental to criminal and judicial processes to better pre- a.) Email: [email protected] the future of Montana. pare and hammer down specifics for the com- b.) Address: PO Box 822 Billings, MT 59101 Balancing interests of businesses and the ing session. I plan to continue to do my best in c.) Phone number:406-855-7123 3.public is usually what everything comes working with individuals, organizations and d.) Web page: www.jadebahr.com down to. In the legislature, it is hard to say how other fellow supportive legislators on passing one would vote until the bill is right in front of something we think can be effective. ryan tHoMSEn for HouSE diStrict 54 As someone who was born in Montana and has JOHN spent the majority of my life here, I recognize the importance of safeguarding our beautiful state for generations to come. Education – I believe in making sure that our kids get the education they need and deserve. OSTLUND The current funding mechanism is antiquated and YELLOWSTONE COUNTY COMMISSIONER needs to be revised. SEnior citizEnS – Seniors are the heartbeat of our state and must be taken care of. We need to make sure that social security and senior programs are safeguarded and cannot be touched. MEntal HEaltH – We must provide more resources toward mental health to ensure that we live in a safe state. Go to www.rt4mt.com to find out more about meor you can reach me on Facebook. 2020 Vote ryan thomsen Paid for by Friends of John Ostlund, Republican for Hd54 5540 Keller Road Billings, MT Kristie Ostlund, Treasurer Paid for by Ryan Thomsen, PO Box 20554, Billings, MT 59104 • Democrat

October 2020 15 HOUSE DISTRICT 51

Family: Scott Fleming, son Endorsements: National Rifle they must be cut from the agen- Montana is dependent on Education: Bachelor’s degree Association; Montana Shooting cy’s overall budget. 4.the energy export business. in education with a minor in po- and Sports Association; Montana A recent audit of Montana’s It generates huge sums of money litical science from MSU-Billings. Family Foundation; Montanans 2.Medicaid program revealed to our general fund. I would not Master’s degree in education with for Limited Government; 2019 A massive fraud of people in the support getting out of the energy an emphasis in public administra- rating from United Property Own- program who were not eligible. export business for Montana. We tion from MSU-Billings. Three- ers of Montana; 2019 A rating from A significant number of people need to work more closely with year Leadership Development Montana Farm Bureau receiving Medicaid were not even other states primarily Wash- Program from Administrative Ways voters can contact you: living in Montana and some not ington and Oregon to ensure we Office of United States Courts, a.) Email: fleminglor5@gmail. even living in the United States. do not have to get out of the coal Washington D.C. com We need to increase stringent business altogether. At the same Past employment: Chief b.) Address: 626 South 38TH monitoring of eligibility require- time Montana needs to invest in United States Probation Officer Street West #22, Billings, Mon- ments for this program. Privation cleaner energy resources for the and retired manager of Billings Job tana 59102 of health care has proven more future. Service c.) Phone number: (406)652- effective then state operated pro- Property tax increases are Military: None 6673 grams. This provides more com- 5.consistently a major issue Political experience: 2018 d.) Web page: frankflemingfor- petition among providers which that I hear from my constitu- elected representative for HD montana.org leads to lower prices. ents. Every two years there is a 51; 2017 appointed by Yellow- I will not support tax in- Making businesses liable new appraisal and it is always at stone County Commissioner to 1.creases. We can not continue 3.due to spread of Covid-19 a higher rate. We need to go back FRANK FLEMING fill unexpired HD51 term of Adam to tax the citizens of Montana out makes no sense. There are pro- to the previous system of a new Political party: Republican Rosendale; 2016 campaign man- of difficult times. We need pru- tocols in place that businesses appraisal done every six years or Place of birth: Great Falls, ager for Jimmy Patelis successful dent fiscal spending by our state and citizens should be follow- even 5 years would be reasonable. Montana election to HD52; past executive government. There are to many ing. I would vote against liability People particularly those that Home: 626 South 38th Street board member for Alternatives vacant positions in state govern- lawsuits against businesses. We have retired are being priced out West #22 Billings Inc; past board president for Bill- ment that are not being utilized. need continued education to the of there homes. This is not right, Occupation: Retired Chief ings Employer Committee; past We need to look at every state public on Covid-19 and stress and I will work tirelessly with United States Probation Officer state president of the Montana agency’s vacant positions from a individual responsibility to keep other legislators from both sides and retired manager of Billings Job Correctional Association; four zero-based budget. If the vacant the effects of Covid-19 from to find a solution to this dilemma. Service years MSU-Billings student senate positions cannot be justified, spreading.

HOUSE DISTRICT 51

Education: Bachelor’s de- Endorsements: Montana In the short term, we can and public health system hampered gree from University of Mas- Federation of Public Employees; should use state reserves. That’s by overwhelming caseloads of sachusetts, 1987; Doctor of Billings Education Association; why we have them. But our hall- COVID-19 and the presence of Medicine from University of Montana AFL-CIO; 3.14 Action; mark for the future should be general community spread, it Massachusetts, 1993; Surgi- Montana Big Sky 55+; Future innovation. Let’s look towards would prove exceedingly dif- cal internship, University of Now; Carol’s List; Emily’s List; investments. Where can we ficult if not impossible to prove Massachusetts, 1994; Diagnos- Montana Conservation Voters; grow Montana? Let’s enable our that an infection occurred in tic Radiology Residency at the Montana Rural Voters; Planned industries to thrive. one location or interaction. We University of Utah, 1998; Fel- Parenthood; Doctors in Politics; The ACA is not perfect, but already have workplace safety lowship in Vascular and Inter- Montana IBEW 532 2. it has some important ele- laws and organizations such as ventional Radiology at the Uni- Ways voters can contact ments. It protects your insur- OSHA which oversee these laws. versity of Utah, 1999; Diplomat you: ance coverage for pre-existing I would rather see torte reform of the American Board of Ve- a.) Email: annewgiuliano@ conditions. But more impor- which limits frivolous lawsuits nous and Lymphatic Medicine gmail.com tantly, it returns every Montan- than a specific law aimed at lim- 2009; Certified Wound care b.) Address: PO Box 51341, tan’s federal income tax dollars iting COVID-19 based lawsuits. specialist physician, 2014. Billings MT 59105 back to Montana to cover the In business, having more Past employment: Diag- c.) Phone number: 406-670- costs of the Medicaid expansion 4. than one income stream nostic and Interventional Ra- 4680 services for our people here. and a wide variety of contracts diologist with Medical Imaging d.) Web page: annegiuliano. Without the ACA, the Federal allows for safe business growth. Associates, Idaho Falls, Idaho com government uses tax dollars for In the energy sector this applies (based in Billings), 2012-2018; Crafting the Montana bud- needs wherever they arise (not as well. Having more than one ANNE GIULIANO panel member at St Vincent 1. get is a group effort. The necessarily Montana). We must source of power and having a Wound Healing Center, 2013- answers don’t need to be found proceed with caution and pre- diverse range of power sources Political party: Democrat 2018; Diagnostic and Interven- in only one strategy or another. serve the most important ACA will allow Montana to be pro- Place of birth: Massachusetts tional Radiologist with Eastern Cutting government spending benefits while improving its tected from loss of a single Home: Billings Radiological Associates, Bill- or re-allocating taxes are just flaws. source of power generation such Occupation: Physician with ings, 1999-2011 two ideas and they can be both Passing legislation to ex- as coal. The legislation needs Matrix/Radiology Partners; re- Military: N/A used in moderation. (As just 3. empt businesses from li- to promote diversity in the en- gional president of Matrix. Political experience: Can- one example, we could tax out ability from one specific type ergy grid. In turn, this will help Family: Married to Jim Lucey, didate for House District 46 in of state car registrations.) But of viral infection is a very slip- generate new jobs and move our we have three cats. 2018 they need not be our only ideas. pery slope. With our current economy forward. 16 October 2020 HOUSE DISTRICT 52

aid, about $ 81 -152 million is from fraud. In think the law needs to be changed that elect- JIMMY PATELIS addition, we need to run state agencies more ed officials (such as County Commissioners) Political party: Republican efficiently and review ways to spend less. make the decision to shut down local busi- Place of birth: No answer Each of the Republican Land Board seats nesses during a pandemic, not one single Home: Billings reduced payroll in 2016 after being elected, person who is not elected by the people. Occupation: Retired chief U.S. proba- except for the Attorney General’s Office. Natural resources are critical to Mon- tion officer Currently, Medicaid expansion in 4.tana and energy. Montana coal, oil and Family: Wife, Carin; four children 2.Montana is an $800 million per year gas generated $250 million in local and state Education: B.S. society and technology, program ($80 million state funds). It is ab- tax revenue in 2018. Clearly, Montana has Montana Tech, Butte surd to think the state will be able to come a lot at stake with our natural resource in- Past Employment: 25 years, U.S. pro- up with $720 million per year if the fed- dustries in tax revenue and jobs. The state bation officer eral government no longer gives Montana of Montana needs to put legal pressure on Political Experience: Served as House the funds. This would be the perfect time the state of Washington to open their coal Rep HD-52, 2017-2018; vice chairman: Law to pursue free-market health care solu- ports under the Commerce Clause. We and Justice Committee, 2018 tions which will give the citizens of Mon- should also petition the federal government Endorsements: NRA; Montana Shoot- tana better choices, less expensive options, to make Colstrip a strategic power plant, ing Sports Association; Montana Farm Bu- and more freedom. Currently, the federal meaning that it is essential to the power grid reau; Montana Family Foundation government is $26 trillion in debt. Because reliability for national security interests. E-Mail: [email protected] Montana Medicaid costs have grown 437% One of the major concerns of my con- Address: 6312 Gray Hawk Way, Billings, in the last 16 years (27% per year), we are on 5.stituents that has been relayed to me MT 59106 an unsustainable path. is from senior citizens. They are very con- Phone: 406-671-9972 Small businesses and health care pro- cerned about the continued increase in Web Page: jimmypatelis.com 3.viders should receive immunity from property taxes. Some are even concerned I feel we are going to have a significant liability lawsuits related to the spread of that they could lose their homes. Some have 1.budget shortfall in 2021 a result of CO- COVID-19. If you are concerned about your indicated to me that they have had to bor- VID-19. This means we are going to have to health, then stay away from high-risk ar- row money from their children to pay their find money from other resources – one area eas. However, this also protects businesses property taxes. This is not right. I plan on that we could recoup money would be based from people filing a fraudulent claim against introducing a bill that would lower or cap on possible fraud in Medicaid expansion. them. We all understand we need to be re- current property taxes by using money from Based on a recent audit on Montana Medic- sponsible and follow rules. In addition, I another revenue stream.

Last year the average residential Trying To reach voTers? customer experienced a rate Voters are regular newspaper readers.* increase of $37.08 Among those registered to vote at least 86% or higher in every age group read the newspaper or it’s website once a week or more.* Get your message in front of a huge audience in Montana Valerie McMurtry will... Voters with one easy and cost-effective buy. Call Mandy at 406-657-1374 or email at [email protected] We offer effective advertising options for statewide print, online, and mobile advertising. Billings Gazette, Butte MT Standard, Helena Independent Record, Missoula Missoulian, Hamilton Ravalli Republic, Bozeman Chronicle, Great Falls Tribune, and Kalispell Daily Interlake. *Source: Nielsen/Scarborough, Multi-Market R2-2019

October 2020 17 HOUSE DISTRICT 52

University Billings; bachelor’s de- Ways voters can contact you: relate to that is part of my reason in the United States immediately, gree in English, Montana State a.) Email: hannah@hannah- for running. There are certainly it is definitely possible—even cru- University Billings; Associates formontana.com flaws with the ACA as it stands, cial—that we begin to transition of Arts in secondary education, b.) Address: PO BOX 30901 but any end to it would be devas- to renewable energy sources. We Northwest College Billings, MT 59107 tating for Montana families and have resources here in Montana Past employment: I have c.) Phone number: 406-200- our economy, especially the Bill- that could provide jobs, enrich our worked in multiple restaurants, 3068 ings healthcare community and economy, and preserve our beau- coffee shops, bars, and even a taco d.) Web page: www.hannah- the thousands of jobs they provide. tiful state if we could find solutions truck until beginning a career in formontana.com If federal funding for Montana that achieved clean and renewable non-profit development with Big COVID-19 has caused signifi- Medicaid is ever affected, our state energy sources. Further, there is Brothers Big Sisters of Yellowstone 1.cant harm to Montana’s econ- must support the program itself. significant potential for savings County. I have also taught pub- omy and businesses, but it has also Workers’ Compensation al- for businesses and homeowners lic speaking at MSU Billings and caused irreparable harm to Mon- 3.ready exists to cover any through the investment of alter- worked with the MSUB Alumni tana’s families, and that has to be health liability, and I don’t believe native energy like wind, solar, etc. Association. the priority moving forward. Cuts any further protections should be One major concern of my Military: N/A cannot be made in regards to ne- necessary in that regard. Although 5.neighbors and constituents is Political experience: I am a cessities like education, housing, human lives must take priority, that residents of Billings feel they new candidate with no prior po- or Medicaid, and I will never back the economic well-being of fami- are not receiving their fair share HANNAH OLSON litical experience who is ready to down on that position. I believe lies and individuals affected by of funding compared to other Political party: Democrat go to bat for my community. there are ways to restructure the the health of a business is also vi- Montana cities. Our schools are Place of Birth: Cody, Wyo- Endorsements: Billings Ed- budget through bipartisan efforts tal to protecting lives, so a balance shorted through the existing stu- ming (raised in Powell, Wyoming) ucation Association; Montana in order to generate revenue in new must be achieved. With that being dent funding formula; we aren’t Home: South Billings Federation of Public Employees; ways, and Montana has got to be- said, employers are responsible for receiving adequate funding for Occupation: After losing my Montana 55+ Action Fund; Mon- gin considering those approaches doing their part to protect work- public safety, even with the dis- job in the non-profit sector as a tana Conservation Voters; Run for if we are going to progress and pro- ers and customers by adhering to proportionate number of indi- result of the pandemic, I have re- Something; Planned Parenthood vide our communities with the ed- guidelines set by health experts in viduals in pre-release and violent/ turned to waiting tables to support Advocates of Montana; AFL-CIO ucation, public safety, and healthy order to protect themselves from sexual offenders that are sent to my family. (American Federation of Labor & economies they deserve. any additional risks and liabilities Billings. Voters are also concerned Family: My partner, Ben Nor- Congress of Industrial Organiza- My family and I were among resulting from the pandemic. with how little gaming revenue is berg, and I have a daughter, Vien- tions; Montana Rural Voters Ac- 2.the many Montanans who Although it would be detri- returned to our community af- na, who will be 5 in November. tion Fund; Carol’s List; Emily’s have benefited from Medicaid and 4.mental to our economy and ter what is generated. I have given Education: Master’s degree List; SMART Transportation Di- the expansion, and discovering unrealistic to halt all fossil fuel them my word that I will be a leg- in public relations, Montana State vision; Human Rights Campaign how few of our legislators could use and extraction in Montana or islator who goes to bat for Billings.

HOUSE DISTRICT 54

Education: Attended Ferrum serve was due to the legislature the healthcare industry in Mon- transition won’t be done overnight College in Virginia and Governor coming together tana. Medicaid is responsible and we should continue to support Past employment: Realtor for in a bipartisan way to balance the for over 4,000 jobs, and almost our historic coal producers and 18 years budget and have a reserve fund. half of those jobs are in Billings, communities. Renewable energy Military: N/A The incoming legislature should not only would this be damag- can provide skilled good paying Political experience: N/A continue to work together to bal- ing to our health care system but jobs, will make the electric grids Endorsements: Montana ance the budget, and continue to this would impact our economy more effective, and will help lower Federation of Public Employees; make smart investments so we greatly. energy bills. Montana 55+ Action Fund always have a reserve fund to re- There is still so much we After knocking on hundreds Ways voters can contact you: tain programs that are so impor- 3.don’t know about covid. We 5.of doors in Yellowstone a.) Email: [email protected] tant to the people of Montana. need to make sure that business- County the one issue that keeps b.) Address: PO Box 20554 Bill- Roughly 90,000 Montanans es are following the health guide- coming up is Mental Health. As ings, Montana 59104 2.have enrolled in the expand- lines from the Governor and local a legislator I will advocate for c.) Phone number: 406-672- ed program. Montana’s health health officials to protect their more resources given to men- 8803 care businesses benefit fromemployees at all cost. Work- tal health. The constituents I’m d.) Web page: www.rt4mt.com Medicaid expansion spending. ers compensation will continue talking to are concerned to go Covid has caused so much Explain the outcome of your de- to protect business owners who downtown and walk to and from 1.of the “unknown” and this cision on both Medicaid patients are acting responsibly to protect their car for dinner, and its pret- RYAN THOMSEN includes our upcoming Mon- and the health care industry. their employees. ty apparent mental health is big Political party: Democrat tana Budget. According to the 90,0000 Montana families with- Montana can sell clean re- problem in our downtown dis- Place of birth: Billings Governor we have enough in the out health care should concern 4.newable energy to the same trict. I would advocate for addic- Home: Billings funding reserve to cover the loss, ALL of us. If the Supreme Court cities/markets that bought coal, tion and mental health programs Occupation: Realtor and not lose any programs in the strips federal funding for Med- most big markets/cities are transi- for our most vulnerable in Mon- Family: Wife and two dogs process. The current funding re- icaid this would be a huge blow to tioning to renewable energy. This tana.

18 October 2020 October 2020 19 HOUSE DISTRICT 54

Education: Bachelor’s degree, cus needs to be reducing bureau- dress much needed expanded free export energy. Seeking cleaner Montana State University, Busi- cracy before reducing services. market options for health care to burning of coal and lower costs to ness-Accounting Option Montana citizens and businesses reduce health care costs across the produce energy will help Montan- Past employment: 35 years, have had to adjust to economic board. an’s lower taxes and energy costs, chief financial officer of First- In weakness and it is only fair that Personal responsibility is both of which spur economic terstate Bank; five years, manager state government participates 3.critical to addressing far more growth. If some states don’t want of KPMG in the slowdown as well. It is not than the pandemic issues. We our energy generation today, oth- Military: N/A reasonable to increase the tax don’t need businesses, including ers will eventually come looking Political experience: Served burden on Montana citizens and nonprofits, having legal liability for stable, low cost energy. Montana State House District 54 businesses at a time when they’re hanging over their head if individ- First is public safety. We 2019-2020; Appointed as board struggling. There are ample op- uals are not acting responsibly. As 5.must ensure that all Montan- member of Montana Board of In- portunities throughout the bud- long as businesses use reasonable an’s are not living in fear but are vestments 2002-2010 get to make reasonable, mea- measures to protect the public, confident that law enforcement is Endorsements: N/A sured, thoughtful reductions to they should not be held liable. We available and adequate to provide Ways voters can contact you: expenditures. should govern ourselves by elect- public safety. Second, we need a.) Email: Terrill.Moore@ This is an unlikely scenario. ing leaders who are accountable to protect and honor our free- icloud.com 2.However, this demonstrates to us. This would be a clear step doms of religion, speech, press, b.) Address: 5414 Green Teal the risk of joining in a Federal toward the freedoms Montanan’s petition and assembly. Third, Drive, Billings, MT 59106 program believing there are few have cherished for generations. it’s time to focus on decreasing c.) Phone number: 406-671- risks or costs. Montanans voted Montana is the Treasure bureaucracy, seeking increased 5393 down extending Medicaid Expan- 4.State for good reason. We efficiencies so that the govern- TERRY MOORE d.) Web page: Facebook: Terry- sion two years ago on I-185. In this have enormous natural resources, ment is serving the people. Ron- Political party: Republican MooreforMontana theoretical scenario, taxes would including gas, oil and coal which ald Reagan shared in his 1988 Home: Billings Burning through the state’s have to increase roughly 30% provide over $250 million per year farewell address that “There’s a Occupation: President of 1.reserves without taking ac- across the board to provide for the in state and local tax revenue and clear cause and effect here that is foundation tion now, is poor leadership. As lack of Federal funding. However, create many jobs. Rather than as neat and predictable as a law of Family: Wife, Tena; three chil- we consider reducing expendi- this theoretical situation would abandon these resources, we must physics: as government expands, dren, five grandsons tures by the state, the primary fo- provide the opportunity to ad- seek opportunities to capture and liberty contracts.”

HOUSE DISTRICT 58

Anderson; son and daughter-in- To address an anticipated to provide readily accessible and of wind. Battery storage and even law, Jasper and Ketti Anderson; 1.drop in state revenue due to affordable service as well as many water reservoirs that can provide brothers, Tom and Steve; sister, COVID-19, I would first review good jobs for our communities. power on demand are evolving. Carolyn; Parents, Rev. Donald the actual revenue received and The onus will be on Congress to Natural gas, which has replaced and Millicent Scanlin, are de- the reserves available, with credit remedy this, as states and private coal, will continue to be a sig- ceased to Governor Bullock for the fore- insurance premium payers real- nificant source of energy in the Education: Bachelor’s degree sight to assure that we have the istically cannot. state. Our legislature should be English and journalism, Univer- reserves that are available. In COVID-19 has presented open and supportive of industries sity of Montana; Law degree, UM addition, a good part of the $100 3.many financial challenges to that can provide clean energy, all School of Law. million funds set aside for fire- small businesses and health care the more important as our forests Past employment: Water fighting in 2020 may be available providers attempting to stay in are drying up, we breathe more and City Planning government for other uses in 2021. Generally, I business and provide care. Due smoke every year, and our critical agencies; private civil law prac- would avoid both tax increases or in large part to following state water for irrigation drains earlier. tice; City of Red Lodge (mayor) cuts to services. If cuts are neces- health directives, Montana has My constituents are par- Military: None; brother is a sary, I would particularly avoid been able to keep COVID num- 5.ticularly concerned about Navy Reserve hospital corpsman cuts to social services, as COVID bers down. Businesses that take our rural economy. Our district Political experience: Mayor has increased the need for them. COVID seriously and take mea- has many farmers and ranchers and City Council Representative, If federal funding for Medic- sures to prevent spread should be whose markets have been nega- Red Lodge 2.aid expansion were undone, immune from liability; those that tively affected by federal tariffs Endorsements: General sup- the 90,000 Montana residents don’t should assume liability. If and trade wars and inaction by BETSY SCANLIN porters currently covered by it would be a business doesn’t believe in the Congress to control captive mar- Political party: Democrat Ways voters can contact without insurance once again, risk and take measures to deal kets that buy low and sell high, Place of birth: New Ulm, you: putting the burden of covering with it, it should assume the risk affecting our local producers. Minnesota (literally on the way to a.) Email: ScanlinforHD58@ their costs on those who are in- and the responsibility that goes They deserve more than promises Montana from Maine); raised in gmail.com sured. Not only has Montana’s along with that. and subsidies. Our local economy Red Lodge b.) Address: N/A expansion of Medicaid prevented While traditional demand is also supported by tremendous Home: Red Lodge c.) Phone number: N/A this, but it has assured that our 4.for our coal is declining, we recreational use that demands Occupation: Retired d.) Web page: BetsyforMon- local health care services such have other tremendous energy countering the perennial efforts Family: Husband, Jeffreytana.com; Facebook: Scanlin for as Beartooth Billings Clinic and potential. “Big Sky” also means to privatize our public lands or Anderson; daughter, Jessamin House District 58 Riverstone Health can continue “Big Sun,” and our valleys are full diminish access and use of them.

20 October 2020 HOUSE DISTRICT 58

SETH BERGLEE money will have to be replaced at some undue repercussions due to arbitrary man- point for future unforeseen issues. I do not dates. This is a complex issue but several Political party: Republican think the state should be insulated from states have passed immunity legislation Place of birth: Culbertson, Montana negative effects on the backs of our already already so we will have some real-world Home: Joliet reeling taxpayers. feedback on different approaches and out- Occupation: Self Employed This was a major reason I have voted comes. Family: Single 2.against Medicaid expansion for my The fact that the renewable energy Education: Bachelor’s degree, Ohio entire time in the Legislature. We have 4.craze in CA is a disaster to the extent State University been arguing that this is not sustainable that rolling blackouts are a common oc- Past employment: N/A since it was first proposed. If we did end currence means that reliable coal power is Military: US Army up bearing the brunt of the cost, I would far from dead. I will always support devel- Political experience: 3 Term Legislator prioritize the funding to the neediest in- opment and sale of coal and any other form Endorsements: MT Family Founda- dividuals and support a phase out of the of energy as long as it is not propped up by tion; MT Shooting Sports Association; NRA funding over a period of time. We need to taxpayer funded subsidies. Ways voters can contact you: make healthcare more affordable by elimi- Questions and concerns regarding a.) Email: [email protected] nating needless government interference 5.the negative effects of the emergency b.) Address: PO Box 340 Joliet, MT 59041 and give individuals more control over mandates are by far the most common c.) Phone number: 406-690-9329 their personal healthcare decisions. More calls I get. We will be making adjustment Increasing taxes to overcome the Gov- options and increased transparency are to the emergency powers. First, to give lo- 1.ernors poor leadership is the wrong good places to start. cal Elected officials more authority to act answer. To start, the Governor should im- I would support some form of immu- in the best interests of their communities, mediately distribute the emergency funds 3.nity. The Executive effectively has im- and second, to require a higher standard he is holding onto so Montanans can stay munity for any negative fallout from his that disallows impeding on the liberties in business and produce taxable revenue. decisions regarding Covid-19. Our econo- of healthy citizens. We are also meet- Freezing raises and new hires, and elect- my has been hit much harder than neces- ing ahead of the next legislative session to able unpaid time off could also add up over sary due to the heavy-handed response of craft rules that will allow the legislature to time. We have worked hard to keep reserve the Governor. We need to allow people to have more of a determining voice during a funds available for tough times, but that make their own decisions without fear of state of emergency.

Jimmy Patelis for Montana House District 52 Strengthen our RURAL ECONOMY Provide Affordable HEALTH CARE Keep PUBLIC LANDS Public!

• 3-Generation Carbon County FAMILYY • 30-year local BUSINESS OWNER • Former MAYOR, Council Rep

Jimmy has a long history serving our communities, VOTE FOR developing our economy and putting Montana’s interests first. BETSY SCANLIN Lower Property Taxes – For HOUSE DISTRICT 58 (Carbon County) Support finding another stream of revenue as a way to reduce property taxes Economy – Committed to eliminating barriers for economic development & fostering a business-friendly environment “EXPERIENCED, EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE” Social Security – Support eliminating tax on social security benefits 2nd Amendment Rights – Oppose restrictions on the type of number of firearms any law-abiding citizen may own or possess. e: [email protected]; w: BetsyforMontana.com;

Paid for by Montanans for Jimmy Patelis, 6312 Gray Hawk Way, Billings, MT 59106 - Republican f: Scanlin for House District 58 Paid for by Scanlin for House District 58, PO Box 2543, Red Lodge, MT 59068 (D) Learn more about where I stand at jimmypatelis.com

October 2020 21 HOUSE DISTRICT 59

Family: Wife Lynn Donaldson; children Republican war on the ACA. Losing 90,000 industry. Instead, it should acknowledge Charlie, Ben and Chase insured Montanans from the rolls will have that, in a free market, no industry can re- Education: JD, University of Montana, a devastating impact on our state’s citizens main insulated from the demands of its 1996; BA, American University, Washing- and our healthcare providers. Legislators customers. If there is no demand for your ton, D.C., 1989; Billings Senior High, 1985 will need to act quickly to protect Montan- product, you must figure out how to adapt Past employment: Sweetwater Travel an’s access to healthcare our and this fill this to reflect the new demands of its custom- Company since 1998 funding gap for our caregivers. Sadly, the ers. So, the legislature should work with Military: N/A legislature will be dependent upon funding the Colstrip, Decker, and other communi- Political experience: Fish and Wildlife from Congress if ACA is overturned. If the ties affected by the slump in coal demand Commissioner, 2007 to 2019; Candidate, US Senate Republicans continue to offer no to create new economic opportunities for MT SD 30, 2018 (Unsuccessful) solution, Montana’s legislature will need to the communities of southeast MT. This will Endorsements: Montana Sportsmen act to protect Montanans. be attracting new industries and investing Alliance; Montana Federation of Public Em- Limited liability should not be an invi- in technologies that make coal appealing ployees; Planned Parenthood of Montana 3.tation for businesses to be careless re- again to Montana coal’s customers. Subsi- Ways voters can contact you: garding the risk of infection. Any liability dizing coal is a short term solution to a much a.) Email: [email protected] relief must be balanced with a business’ re- longer term challenge. b.) Address: 44 Adair Creek Road, Liv- sponsibility to operate in as a safe a manner Most of the folks I speak with are re- ingston, MT 59047 as possible. So, yes, I would offer liability 5.ally concerned about the lack of civility c.) Phone number: 406-222-0624 protection but would also require that busi- in our communities right now. Montanans COVID-19 has hurt Montana’s econo- nesses do their best to keep their customers pride themselves on being one large fam- 1.my. Montana’s Legislative Fiscal Divi- and their employees as safe as possible. In ily. Much like the families that find their sion projects a 13% drop in revenue to the the end, the best thing we can do to get busi- family dinners strained because of politi- state general fund this fiscal year, while nesses back up and running is to beat this cal differences, Montana’s family is having economists don’t expect a return to pre- pandemic through mask wearing, social a hard time right now getting along as well. DAN VERMILLION pandemic growth levels until 2022. The distancing, and hand washing. Until people If I am elected, I will work together with leg- Political party: Democrat current governor has suggested that reserve are safe, our economy and our communities islators, businesses, and community mem- Place of birth: Boston, Massachusetts funding can cover the loss, though Republi- will not get back to normal. bers of all political persuasions. We all love Home: Park County can leaders have called for budget cuts. The legislature must stop blaming Montana. Montana’s future depends upon Occupation: Business Owner, Sweet- We cannot allow for 90,000 Montan- 4.Oregon, Washington, and President our working together to solve the challenges water Travel Company, Livingston 2.ans to lose health insurance due to the Obama for the challenges faced by the Coal that face us.

HOUSE DISTRICT 60

Education: BA Sociology, Syracuse government to maintain vital services to against a bill that put the interests of busi- University communities and constituents. Revenue ness above public health and safety. Past employment: 2015 - 2016 Gradu- generation that requires those who can to Montana is poised to play an impor- ation Matters Montana Coach, Office of pay their fair share is the best path forward 4.tant role in meeting the increased Public Instruction; 2007 - 2015 Executive to protect those who are struggling. clean energy demand across the North- Director, Shift Empowerment Programs Medicaid Expansion has not only had west. The good news is that this new en- (youth development non-profit); 2004- 2.a positive impact on the personal out- ergy generation can spread the positive 2007 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Park Coun- comes of working Montanans, it has ben- economic impact across many community, Development Director efited Montana businesses and kept small, ties, creating new jobs and increasing the Military: N/A rural communities like mine vital. Three tax base that supports their local infra- Political experience: HD60 Repre- out of five businesses in Montana have structure and services. As we move to a sentative 2017 to present, Minority Caucus employees who receive their healthcare new energy future, Montana policy should Chair 2019 to present through Medicaid Expansion, saving busi- keep our state attractive to business devel- Endorsements: MFPE PAC; MT AFL- ness statewide up to $1.1 billion per year. opment, while protecting utility ratepay- CIO; MCV; Carol’s List Over 3,400 Montanans joined the program ers and ensuring clean air and water. This Ways voters can contact you: between March and July, showing the cur- involves considering both the policy and a.) Email: [email protected] rent pandemic is driving demand. When we the regulatory landscape, including ap- b.) Address: 211 S. Yellowstone St., Liv- consider the return on our investment in a propriate oversight of the Public Service ingston, MT 59047 healthy workforce, it becomes clear it’s an Commission. c.) Phone number: 406-223-1122 investment we must maintain. Support for mental and behavioral Strong, fiscally prudent Democrat lead- There is no question that businesses 5.health was an important community 1.ership insisted on a robust budget sur- 3.have faced unusual pressures and de- need when I first ran in 2016. Given the plus, which has spared Montana from the mands during the pandemic and we would harmful impact in Park County from the tax LAURIE BISHOP fiscal crisis that many states are facing. be wise to consider what state government cuts imposed during the 2017 interim, and Political party: Democrat Additionally, revenues have seen surpris- can do to continue to help them weather this the unique challenges posed by the pan- Place of birth: Rochester, New York ingly minimal impact thus far and state storm. That being said, Montanans are enti- demic, this remains a top priority today. I Home: Livingston government has reduced expenses. While tled to the certainty that their safety will not will continue to work on policies and fund- Occupation: Director, Montana After- challenges will come, to make harmful cuts be sidelined, whether it’s in their workplace ing that hold the floor under the services school Alliance before we understand the full complexity or in the settings that are necessary for them and benefits Montanans rely on now, and Family: Married to husband Storrs for of our financial situation, is reckless. The to visit. I have not seen specific language to expand access and affordability into the fu- 28 years; three children aged 16, 20 and 23 stresses of the pandemic call for the state comment on, but I would be inclined to vote ture. 22 October 2020 HOUSE DISTRICT 60

JOE LAMM The practice of an automatic budget Obviously, there is a balance between 1.increase over the previous year’s bud- 3.personal responsibility and corporate Political party: Republican get must be stopped. Each agency needs to liability. Businesses that follow State guide- Home: Livingston, MT justify their budget request and show the lines should not be held liable for the spread Occupation: Consulting Electrical En- cost of each of the services that they pro- of COVID-19. gineer vide. Currently there is no incentive for an Coal is Montana’s second highest value Family: Debra Lamm (Spouse) agency to reduce wasteful spending and no 4.export, and we have plenty. Montana Education: Bachelor’s of Science in accountability to the people whose money needs to keep up the pressure on Washing- Electrical Engineering, Texas A&M Univer- they are spending. Money saved by proper ton State to allow building of an interna- sity management of the State agencies should be tional coal terminal so we can export our Past employment: Self Employed directly used to reduce property and income clean burning coal to Asia. Military: N/A taxes. Securing the integrity of Montana’s vot- Political experience: Chairman Park Currently, the State of Montana pays 5.ing system is of key importance. Proce- County Republican Central Committee 2.only 10% of the cost of Medicaid Ex- dures used in poll voting provide numerous Endorsements: Montana Family Foun- pansion. That means that 90% of the total safeguards against fraud. The same is not true dation cost or roughly $682 Million dollars is paid of “vote by mail” where unscrupulous ac- Ways voters can contact you: by the Federal Government through the tors have figured out how to manipulate the a.) Email: [email protected] ACA. Fully implementing the laws intro- system to change elections. I have worked on b.) Address: PO Box 1390, Livingston, duced by the 2019 Legislature to combat election integrity issues as a citizen activist for MT 59047 waste, fraud and abuse will help, but the over 8 years. I helped write the argument FOR c.) Phone number: 406-224-1777 there is no doubt that this would be a sig- the legislative referendum that voters over- d.) Web page: LammForMontana.com nificant impact on the State budget. whelmingly passed and led to the “Montana Ballot Interference Prevention Act”.

RE-ELECT JESSICA KARJALA for House District 48 As your Legislator i will continue to • Support Montana’s working families • Fight for transparency against dark money • Fight for our hunting and fishing rights and defend our public lands • Support our Seniors and Veterans You’ve told me your • Support our Public Education System concerns and i have listened and look forward Learn more about me on Facebook at Jessica-Karjala-for-Montana-Legislature to continuing to serve you. Paid for by Karjala for HD48 – Democrat, 6125 Masters Boulevard, Billings, MT 59106

October 2020 23 SENATE DISTRICT 18

STEVE HINEBAUCH Ways voters can contact you: It seems like in this day and age people a.) Email: stevehinebauch@midrivers. 3.want to be protected from everything Political party: Republican com and it is impossible to do that. Businesses Place of birth: Havre, Montana b.) Address: 610 Road 118 Wibaux, Mt should be able to operate however they Home: Dawson County 59353 want, within the law. We as Montanans Occupation: Rancher c.) Phone number: 406-365-7967 have the option of going to a business or not Family: Wife, Beth; five married chil- Without seeing all the numbers and fig- going to a business. I think it will be fine. dren, 17 grandchildren, one grandson-in- 1.ures, my assumption is whatever is in Montanans are, for the most part, smart law; one great-grand daughter reserve will not cover the loss of revenue. and respectful. Education: Graduated High School Raising taxes in a time like this would be the The state is not in the power business. from Turner, Montana, 1973; graduated worse thing we could do. I agree with the 4.Businesses in Montana should con- Platte Valley Bible College in Scottsbluff, economists who say if you lower taxes rev- tinue to try and export power. We, as the Nebraska in 1977 enue goes up and if you raise taxes revenue Legislature, should do everything in our Past employment: Lifetime rancher goes down. There are lots of ways in govern- power to enhance it. Sitting here in far east- Military: None ment that we can cut budgets and not hurt ern Montana breathing the smoke from fires Political experience: Been active in services. Case in point, Auditor Rosendale on the west coast we are reminded again of Republican politics since 1980. Current cut the budget in the auditor’s office 23% the hypocritical ideas they have. The myth state senator; past senator; past member and had the most “customer friendly” audi- that Colstrip is wrecking our environment of MTGOP executive board; past chair of tor’s office in years. is just that—a myth. We live about 130 miles Republican Central Committees in Prairie There are a lot of hypotheticals in this from Colstrip and we never have smelled and Dawson counties; current State Com- 2.question. And I am reluctant to deal in their smoke. It has been speculated that fifty mitteeman for Dawson County Republican hypotheticals. That being said, the health- years of Colstrip smoke equals one day of Central Committee care industry claims Medicaid Expansion forest fire smoke. Endorsements: Montana Fam- only pays for 60% or less than what the pro- My constituents overwhelmingly want ily Foundation; Montana Shooting Sports cedures cost. When this program started, 5.freedom. Our Founding Fathers fought Association; NRA; Montana for Limited the Federal Government paid 100%, then and died for freedom from regulation and Government; Montana Action Commit- dropped to 90%. We know they could drop taxes and they had a lot less than we do now. tee for Rural Electric; Montana Agriculture it whenever they want. Based on these facts They were passionate about it. I am, too. I PAC and others, I voted against Medicaid Expan- will carry bills, co-sign bills, and vote for sion, as did most of Montanans when they bills that promote less government and less voted against I-185. taxes.

SENATE DISTRICT 18

PAT MISCHEL COVID-19 will effect Montana’s budget their employees with all necessary PPE not 1.in the short term. Revenues in FY 2021 to infect each other or the public, the liabil- Political party: Democrat are projected downward some $300 mil- ity can be reduced. What third party would Home: Glendive lion. Governor Bullock is correct in stating determine the liability? Even if the legisla- Occupation: Retired locomotive engi- we have reserves of $117.8 million to help ture passed a law, a person would still have neer reduce any deficits, and a current General the right to civil action. Family: Wife, Brenda, of 41 years. Four budget balance of $451.7 million. The Mon- The legislature should join the Mon- grown children. tana Legislative Fiscal Division says bud- 4.tana Attorney General to maintain Education: Elementary through Eighth, get forecasts are becoming more difficult, our right as a state to export any product, Glendive Sacred Heart School. Graduate of but project budgets will return to normal in to any customer in the world who wants Dawson County High School. BNSF Tech- 2022. I will support across the board cuts if our product. That is the meaning of Free nical School – Johnson Community College needed, and find new sources of revenue in Trade. The Montana Legislature should Topeka, Kansas tough years to balance the budget. Sum- urge our US House and Senators to advo- Military: None mary: Don’t Panic in a Pandemic! cate for low sulfur, high BTU Power River Political experience: Served three-year To those who are advocating to repeal Basin Coal. Montana can supply the Mid- term on local school board 2.the ACA, I would say now show us you west with coal, if our coal is not over re- Endorsements: Montana Federation of plan. Millions of Americans, and thousands stricted or if made uncompetitive to lesser State Employees representing 650 members of Montanan’s have no access to health care. grades of coal. in Senate District 18. Medicaid providers including our hospitals Many citizens and groups are concerned Montana Rural Voters have no way to collect for services. For over 5.with the lack of public information that Ways voters can contact you: a decade myself and others have supported comes from their representatives. Local a.) Email: [email protected] the ACA and Medicaid expansion. It has not governments, school districts, and busi- b.) Address: 47 Road 261, Glendive, MT been a perfect plan, but it’s been there to nesses now hire lobbyist to protect and pro- c.) Phone number: 406-377-6690 help people and providers. Where there is no mote their interest. I would like to urge the d.) Web page: www.mischelformontana. ACA there is no Medicaid expansion. Legislature to set aside some time during com COVID-19 is both a Public Safety and the week to allow legislator the time to hold 3.Workplace Safety issue. If a business public town hall meetings to hear concerns or health care provider takes steps to equip and ideas.

24 October 2020 SENATE DISTRICT 21

munication and Information Sys- for the elderly, low income folks pulled off and our legislators need strings and as with any business tems, B.S. in Business Adminis- and even our veterans. We cannot to roll up their sleeves for all Mon- they will determine what is best tration afford to put our people at risk at tanans to find the best solution for their company, and that deci- Past employment: Grants and this time. Legislators should do a through legislation and knowledge sion is not always good for Mon- Contracting Officer, Crow Tribe, study of each government depart- of the real Montana way of life. tana. Good paying jobs need to be 10 Years. Business/Computer In- ment; is there vacancy savings? This country is not the playground retained while clean Montana air, structor, Chief Dull Knife College, Put a restriction on pet projects, of the rich and famous, it belongs water and soil should be main- 10 years. request input from the directors to the people that have farmed, tained for future generations. Military: No and managers, most of all listen to grazed and tilled the land and has Many are ranchers and farmers, Political experience: Served all the people: not just the base of been the home of many natives trades people, educators, small in Montana State House for eight an elected few. Then we can come long before it ever became a state. business owners; we all have a years from 2013 to 2020. to common-sense solutions. As long as small businesses stake in Montana and how we take Endorsements: Emily’s List, Do we really want to take away 3.and healthcare providers of- that journey down the road for Carol’s List, Montana Rural Voters 2.healthcare away from 90,000 fer protection and follow state re- others to follow is up to us. Coal is Action Fund Montana citizens at a time like quirements to protect all people still viable and cleanup is neces- Ways voters can contact you: this? I think not. Now more than they should not be penalized, but if sary, but it needs to be balanced a.) Email: badger497@gmail. ever, we are also grateful for our they refuse to recognize the nega- through good common-sense so- com rural hospitals which this bill has tive effects of the Covid outbreak lutions. b.) Address: PO Box 497, Lame saved. It is a crucial time for the then consequences should be ap- Jobs! I intend to support Deer, MT 59043 healthcare industry; they are the plied. After all, they are depend- 5.Unions and the trade indus- c.) Phone number: (406) 697- heroes, the bread winners of what ing on the public for their main tries because these industries 0565 economy is left. Some industries source of income; should they not have and will sustain Montana RAE PEPPERS To increase taxes would not are profiting, and the state can make every effort to protect their into eternity. I will vote to sup- Political party: Democratic 1.be a good solution during this determine how these industries customers? Businesses should port funding for the trades; I will Place of birth: Crow Agency crisis; the people of Montana are can support families and victims be given tax credits or incentives always stand with Unions because Home: Lame Deer struggling both financially and through offset industries, such as through legislation to support they protect the working class Occupation: Federal Pro- personally. Montana sits between hotels/motels, eateries, funeral their efforts to protect their con- of this State. I see right to work grams Director, Lame Deer Public a rock and a hard place. To cut homes, trade industries, farms/ sumers. bills every session and I received Schools government services would and ranches, etc. Unfortunately, most compa- a 100% on the report card by the Family: Husband, Jim Pep- has done an injustice to the people Can the ACA be declared uncon- 4.nies that own power plants AFL-CIO for the 2019 session, so pers; 5 children; 17 grandchildren of Montana. In 2017 severe bud- stitutional based on the decision of in Montana do not live or reside of course I will vote No on any and Education: Masters in Com- get cuts were made to programs one party? No. Blinders need to be in Montana. They hold the purse every right to work bill.

SENATE DISTRICT 21 JASON D. SMALL Similar to the 2017 special and adapt and we should gear to- lar. Securing new markets and 1.session we should be able to wards even more telehealth and the ability to export is also a long Political party: Republican do some budget transfers/substi- remote participation options. term strategy I would be looking Place of birth: Hardin tutions and redirection of funds. If there is clearly indication at. Home: Kirby If the Marijuana initiative passes 3.of negligence on behalf of the One of the primary concerns Occupation: Boilermaker/ we will gain new revenue streams business then lawsuits should be 5.my constituents seem to res- small business owner and could also redirect funding to able to proceed, otherwise if the onate on is lack of infrastructure Family: Wife and two kids social services benefiting mental business is fully compliant with and the inability to establish and Education: Attended MSU health and addictions. We should covid ordinance they should have promote small business. I have Bozeman, Graduated Sheridan also be able to fill in some gaps legal protection. been actively pursuing expanded College with Federal Covid money which The legislature should rec- internet access and have sup- Past employment: Construc- has been issued to the state. I 4.ognise the programs and en- ported small business start up tion and Repair industry would think we could salvage tities which are supported by coal opportunities at every chance Military: N/A most programs with little to no tax revenues and begin to look that I’ve had. I will support any Political experience: One tax increase. for alternative funding sources and all responsible legislature to term in the Montana Senate The state realistically can- for those programs and activi- do so. Endorsements: Montana 2.not hope to foot the entire ties. The steps we could take to Shooting Sports Foundation, bill for Medicaid expansion and keep Montana in the export busi- Montana Farm Bureau, Montana especially in this covid econo- ness on the long term would be to AFL-CIO my without federal participa- build HRSG/Peaker or gas plant Ways voters can contact you: tion. I feel our responsibility is generation units to shore up the a.) Email: j2thedsmall@gmail. to protect the most vulnerable baseload power going down our com and would support transfers and pre existing high KV line and al- b.) Address: Hc. 42 Box 674 substitutions to help and main- low our customers to have solid Busby, MT, 59016 tain service for the most needy electrical service by removing c.) Phone number: 406-690- participants. The industry itself the variability and fluctuations 0923 would be forced to compromise encountered with wind and so-

October 2020 25 SENATE DISTRICT 25

Southern California, 1988; Resi- crease. The Montana constitution enrollees. (Example, a single par- important revenue to the state. dency in Otolaryngology-Head mandates a balanced budget. Cuts ent with two small children would Washington hydroelectric and Neck Surgery, LA Coun- in spending may be necessary. have more need than three single dams have decimated the salmon ty-USC Medical Center, 1993; Government agencies may need able-bodied adults without chil- and steelhead populations that Residency in Internal Medicine, to make reductions to balance the dren.) historically swam up the Columbia University of California San Fran- budget. The government needs to I would support the idea that and Snake River system to spawn cisco, 2015 look at means of improving effi- 3.businesses and health care in neighboring states. Montana Past employment: Head and ciency. Businesses improved effi- providers should have immunity has done more to mitigate harm- Neck Surgeon at Billings Clinic; ciency by going online and retail- from liability lawsuits concerning ful effects of coal emissions than Internal Medicine Hospitalist at ers and restaurants survived by the spread COVID-19. Allowing Washington has done to mitigate Saint Vincent’s Healthcare providing take-out and delivery. individuals or governments to sue the effects of hydroelectric dams Military: United States Air These changes required fewer staff businesses or healthcare provid- on ecology. Force active duty 1993 to 1997, re- to deliver the products or services. ers over possible issues of spread My constituents and I feel lo- serve 1997 to 2006 Government can do more online of COVID-19 would allow a large 5.cal law enforcement officials Political experience: None and improve efficiency, reduce volume of potentially frivolous are of high caliber and do an ex- Endorsements: Senator Cary cost and reach more remote areas. and extremely difficult cases to cellent job. Securing public safety Smith, Senator Tom McGillvray, If the Federal government prove. The time and money re- and maintaining law and order former senator Ed Walker 2.withdraws support of Med- quired would be better spent de- are among the most basic ser- SCOTT D. PRICE Ways voters can contact you: icaid expansion, Montana alone feating COVID instead of fanning vices governments provide. Law Political party: Republican a.) Email: ScottPriceforMon- cannot support the entire cost for flames of disagreement/dissent. enforcement needs our support Home: Billings, Montana [email protected] the 90,000 new enrollees. Mon- Individuals can decide for in order to continue to protect us. Occupation: Physician b.) Address: 2369 Westfield tana would have to look at setting themselves if patronizing a busi- I would ensure that officers con- Family: Dianne Price, wife Drive, Billings, MT 59106 new criteria for eligibility and re- ness or utilizing a healthcare pro- tinue to receive proper training (married 40 years); five children; c.) Phone number: 406-698- duce the number of enrollees and vider is in their best interest or and I would foster quality dialog 11 grandchildren 2727 reduce the cost to a level the state worth any potential risk. and interaction between law en- Education: Bachelor degree in d.) Web page: www.ScottPri- can afford. I would work to see Montana should not get out of forcement and the public, such Chemical Engineering, Arizona ceMT.com that need and merit were used as 4.the energy export business. as occurs through town halls, State University, 1980; Doctor of I think we are taxed enough. criteria, rather than just absolute Coal, oil and gas production pro- Neighborhood Watch programs, Medicine (M.D.), University of 1.I would not support a tax in- numerical reduction in number of vide valuable jobs to citizens and etc. SENATE DISTRICT 25

Past employment: Montana Ways voters can contact you: both public health and the econo- tourism to threatening Montana Public Interest Group, Research a.) Email: friendsofjen- my for decades to come. I will fight farmers and ranchers who face in- Planned Parenthood of Montana, [email protected] tooth and nail to find the funding creasingly unpredictable, extreme Planned Parenthood Advocates of b.) Address: PO Box 30472, necessary to prop up Medicaid Ex- weather patterns. Our outdoor Montana Billings, Montana, 59101-9600 pansion. Unfortunately, I serve in industry booms at more than $2.2 Military: None c.) Phone number: 406-696- the Minority and the result of un- billion, and is reliant on the con- Political experience: State 0649 doing the ACA would likely mean servation and stewardship of our Senate District 25, elected d.) Web page: https://www. 90K Montanans lose their health public lands, streams and rivers. I 2016-present. Served in 2017 and facebook.com/JenGrossSD25 insurance. Our economy would support Montana’s Climate Solu- 2019 legislative sessions. Minor- I have not served on budget or take an extraordinary hit at a time tions Plan, which calls for reduc- ity Vice Chair of Senate Public 1.tax committees during my four when we just can’t afford it. ing greenhouse gas emissions and Health, Welfare and Safety Com- years in the legislature, but I have To my knowledge we haven’t promoting innovation to create mittee, 2017, 2019. Member of voted on the budgets and policies 3.had a single COVID injury new jobs as we transition to re- Senate Judiciary Committee 2017, that determine how our tax dollars lawsuit in Montana. Unlike my newable energy sources. 2019. Member of Senate High- are spent. I serve on committees Republican colleagues, I trust that My constituents are con- JEN GROSS ways & Transportation Commit- that monitor spending and appro- if there was a lawsuit, a Montana 5.cerned about the severe spike Political party: Democrat tee, 2017, 2019. Vice Chair of Law priations, like community based jury would carefully consider all in violent crime this year. As of Place of birth: Billings & Justice Interim Committee, services for mental health and ad- the facts and make a reasonable July 1, deliberate homicide charges Home: Billings 2019-20. Member of Law & Jus- diction. We monitor these invest- decision. As COVID continues to in Yellowstone County had nearly Occupation: Casino atten- tice Interim Committee, 2017-18. ments to gage our ability to ease spread across Montana, I know doubled over a year’s time. At the dant, 406 Kitchen & Taproom Member of State Tribal Relations jail overcrowding, for example. small businesses are looking for end of August, domestic violence Family: Father, Buck Gross, Interim Committee, 2017-18 and We can’t afford to cut services, and options to keep their doors open. reports had almost surpassed total Minneapolis. Late mother, Cyndi 2019-20. hardworking Montanans can’t af- As the senator for south-central DV reports for all of 2019. The leg- Gross, deceased. Brother, Tyler Endorsements: Billings Edu- ford higher taxes. Montana’s entire Billings I will do everything I can islature has taken extraordinary Gross, Billings. Sister, Stephanie cation Association, Carol’s List, tax code needs to be overhauled so to support our business owners steps toward justice reinvestment, Ferguson, Billings. Nieces, Bella EMILY’S List, Montana AFL-CIO, that out-of-state corporations and and their hardworking employees. or policies aimed at reducing re- and McKinzey Ferguson, Evee Montana Brotherhood of Loco- the wealthy pay their fair share. But this is a solution in search of a cidivism and easing jail over- Gross and Lennon Gross. Nephew, motives & Trainmen, Montana We face an unprecedented problem. crowding. But the majority-au- Charlee Gross. Conservation Voters, Montana 2.public health crisis, and the Montana faces more than an thored budget failed to adequately Education: Billings Senior Federation of Public Employees, outcome of California v Texas 4.energy economy crisis when fund essential services. It’s time to High; Bachelor’s degree environ- Montana Human Rights Cam- could be the most consequential it comes to coal. Climate change build and fully fund a budget that mental studies, Montana State paign, Montana League of Rural decision we’ll hear from the Courts is a threat to our way of life, from both rehabilitates offenders and University Billings, 2011 Voters this year, with ramifications to its impact on public lands and enhances public safety. 26 October 2020 SENATE DISTRICT 26

CHRIS FRIEDEL COVID-19 on our economy. State depart- fully and recklessly putting their employees’ ments were forced to cut their budgets by ten health and safety at risk. Political party: Republican percent in fiscal year 2019, which makes no The coal industry, like any other indus- Home: Billings sense if the state really had sufficient reserve 4.try, will have to look for ways to expand Occupation: G.M./Owner of a Small funds. I think we will have to prioritize es- and diversify its customer base, whether Family Business sential elements of the state budget until the nationally or internationally. Since the state Family: Married 12 years to my wife Les- current crisis is over. is not in the business of exporting coal, it is lie; two children - Liam 5, Arabella 8 We should start planning now for the the responsibility of the industry to do this. Education: Billings West High School, 2.possibility that federal funds for ex- What the legislature can do is review state Montana Tech University pansion will be unavailable. I think the way regulations to determine if over-regulation Past employment: to start is to look at what other states are do- may be impeding energy exports. Military: N/A ing. We need to look closely at the efforts of Public Safety is the primary concern Political experience: 2015-2019 Billings the states that have had the greatest success 5.that constituents want me to address City Council Ward 3 at restructuring and making adjustments in Helena. One issue to be addressed is that Endorsements: Montana Shooting to their Medicaid program. Our examples of overcrowding in our jails. As a senator, Sports Association, Montana Independent should be those states that have been able I want to work with the county and city to Electrical Contractors, Montana Farm Bu- to derive the maximum benefit from state- solve this problem. One option to consider reau level resources without greatly increasing is implementation of a diversion program Ways voters can contact you: their residents’ tax burden. This will help us in each county. Yellowstone County cur- a.) Email: [email protected] plan for our own Medicaid program in the rently has such a program and it has been b.) Address: 3302 2nd Ave. N. Billings, event the Supreme Court invalidates federal effective at reducing the number of in- MT 59101 funding for expansion. mates in the county jail. Another option c.) Phone number: 406-272-2245 I think it is unnecessary to pass new would be pooling of regional resources to d.) Web page: www.chrisfriedel.com 3.laws relating to a temporary situation curb each county’s costs. This would keep I doubt if there is actually enough re- like the COVID-19 issue. The existing laws costs down for smaller counties and help 1.serve funding to cover the revenue loss protecting employees also seem to be suffi- with upkeep and expansion of jails in larger that we will experience due to the effects of cient to protect employers who are not will- counties.

SENATE DISTRICT 26 MARGIE MacDONALD b.) Address: P.O. Box 245 good faith do their due diligence to pro- c.) Phone number: 406.652.6625 tect their workers and customers from Political party: Democrat d.) Web page: www.macdonaldforbill- the virus. Place of birth: Glendive, Montana ings.org Montana is richly endowed with Home: Billings Montana’s strong, thriving economy 4.wind, sun, and hydro and there is Occupation: Retired 1.prior to the pandemic in conjunction great opportunity to sell clean, renew- Family: Husband, John Smillie; Two with judicious budgeting and planning able energy into the larger markets where adult children, Siri Smillie and Charlie by a bipartisan group of lawmakers and we historically have sold our coal gener- Smillie the Governor, have placed Montana in the ated power. Moreover, there are many Education: Graduate of University of position of having a rainy day fund and highly skilled, good jobs in these fields, Montana School of Journalism a fire fund reserve that now insulate the as well as in upgrading the electricity grid Past employment: Weekly news- state from the drastic measures imposed to more effectively move new sources of paper reporter, Private nonprofit sec- in neighboring states and across the coun- power. Additionally, there are great en- tor including Montana Association of try. Lawmakers will be wise in 2021 if they ergy savings to be gleaned for homeown- Churches and Western Organization of continue the bipartisan efforts to balance ers and businesses by investing in energy Resource Councils; Montana Boulder the budget, invest wisely and maintain a efficiency, while growing the value of our River School and Governor’s Office of rainy day fund to insulate Montanans from homes and buildings and operations (e.g Community Service. drastic, hurtful budget cuts. pivot irrigation). Political experience: House of Repre- A decision to undo the Affordable Care My constituents are concerned about sentatives, 2008-2016; State Senate, 2016 to 2.Act by the Supreme Court would be 5.inequities in Montana’s school fund- present; Yellowstone County Economic De- devastating, not only for Montana, but also ing formula. The larger the district, the velopment Committee in mid-1980’s. Build for the national economy. Montana med- greater the disadvantage baked in the for- Montana statewide economic development icaid expansion created over 5,000 direct mula. Billings is the largest AA district, initiative, also in 1980’s. jobs (with benefits and good pay) and kept by almost double. Consequently, School Endorsements: Billings Education As- rural hospitals from closing. Close to half District 2 takes the biggest hit in Mon- sociation, Montana Federation of Public of those good jobs are here in Yellowstone tana’s per student funding formula. Our Employees, Montana State AFL-CIO, Mon- County. Anyone who says he/she wants to SD 2 Board struggles to balance its bud- tana Conservation Voters, Carol’s List, Em- end Medicaid expansion is playing Russian get while providing the constitutionally ily’s List, Planned Parenthood Advocates roulette with the Billings economy and our guaranteed quality education for the next of Montana, Brotherhood of Locomotive healthcare. It would be economically very generation. While there are economies of Engineers and Trainmen, Human Rights damaging to Montana and Billings if the scale and smaller districts have higher per Campaign Court rules against the ACA. student overhead, it should be capped at a Ways voters can contact you: Workers Compensation is already in reasonable level. Billings lawmakers need a.) Email: [email protected] 3. place to protect businesses that in to go to bat for our schools in Helena. October 2020 27 Republican duo reshapes Montana politics in Trump’s style Associated Press

BOZEMAN — Steve Daines is the affable one, the smiler, a consummate salesman who parlayed his corporate success into a meteoric rise through Montana politics and a seat in the U.S. Senate. His former boss, Greg Gianforte, is more brusque, sometimes even harsh, a self-made technology mogul whose political career has proved rockier and included a stinging defeat for governor and unwanted notoriety when he assaulted a reporter during a successful run for U.S. House. Together they form a powerful political alliance on the cusp of dominating Montana politics for years to come, pushing the state’s Republican Party away from a Western brand of centrism and toward the hard-line partisan agenda of President Donald Trump. Daines, 58, is seeking a second six-year term while Gianforte, 59, is pouring millions of dollars from his private fortune into another run at the governor’s mansion. Dual victories would mark the latest achievement for men who first bonded on family camping trips in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains more than two decades ago. They worked in tandem to attain huge riches in the corporate world before leveraging that success into a political juggernaut that has reshaped the state’s Republican Party. It’s a shift Montana Democrats argue is out of step with the state’s independent-minded electorate. Democrats have their own power duo hoping to hold the line in November: Gov. Steve Bullock, challenging Daines, is one of the Democrats’ best hopes to tilt the balance of power in the closely divided Senate. His lieu- AP Photo/Matthew Brown tenant governor for the past five years, Mike Republicans U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, left, listens as Rep. Greg Gianforte speaks during a joint interview on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020 in Bozeman. Cooney, faces Gianforte. Daines is being challenged by Montana Gov. Steve Bullock while Gianforte faces Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney in the gubernatorial race. But Democrats are handicapped by Gian- forte’s willingness to spend his own money on the race - $3.5 million so far, after spending more than $6 million in 2016 - and a strong push for both by Trump, who carried Montana by 20 percentage points in 2016. Daines has long benefited from his ties to Gianforte, who hired Daines into his Boze- man-based software firm, RightNow Tech- nologies, that was later sold to Oracle for almost $2 billion. Years later, when Daines was in the U.S. Senate, he would use Gianforte’s private plane, including to shuttle back and forth to Wash- ington for key votes - at least 11 trips since 2017, according to financial disclosure reports. AP PHOTO/Matthew Brown Gianforte, one of the wealthiest members Republicans U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, left, of the U.S. House, has been boosted in his and Rep. Greg Gianforte are seen touring run for Montana governor by Daines’ clout. A a technology company facility under strong turnout for Gianforte could now help construction on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020 Daines fend off the challenge from Bullock, in Bozeman. Daines is seeking a second term a two-term governor whose handling of the and faces a challenge from Montana Gov. Matthew Brown coronavirus has put him in the limelight. Steve Bullock, while Gianforte faces Lt. Gov. In this Aug. 17, 2017 photo, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock addresses people gathered for a signing The similarities between the two Repub- Mike Cooney in the November gubernatorial ceremony for two conservation agreements outside Yellowstone National Park in Jardine, Mont. licans were on display during a recent joint election. Seated from left are U.S. Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines and U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte. 28 October 2020 interview after they toured a high tech manufacturing facility under construction in their hometown of Bozeman. Sitting across from each other at a picnic table near the same office park that houses Oracle, Daines and Gianforte played off one another’s jokes and finished each other’s sto- AP PHOTO/Susan Walsh Matthew Brown In this Sept. 6, 2018, photo, President ries. Both men linked their politi- Republicans U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, Donald Trump waves as he walks off cal careers to their Christian faith. Matthew Brown Republicans U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, left, and Rep. Greg Gianforte listen of Air Force One at Billings Logan Daines is Presbyterian. Gianforte left, and Rep. Greg Gianforte listen to a representative of FLIR Systems International Airport in Billings, belongs to the fundamentalist to a representative of FLIR Systems describe the technology company’s Mont., with Sen. Steve Daines, Grace Bible Church. describe the technology company’s new facility under construction R-Mont., second from right, and “We’re here to serve and not be new facility under construction on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020 in Rep Greg Gianforte, R-Mont. Since served,” Daines said. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020 in Bozeman, Mont. After working bonding on family camping trips more “Service above expectations,” Matthew Brown together in the corporate world the than two decades ago, Daines and Republicans U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, Bozeman, Mont. After working Gianforte added. “It’s the same two Republicans are on the cusp Gianforte have worked in tandem, left, and Rep. Greg Gianforte are seen together in the corporate world the theme.” of solidifying their influence over first to attain huge riches in the touring a technology company facility duo have risen in tandem to political They cast the upcoming elec- influence. Montana politics for years to come. corporate world and more recently to tion as a stark choice pitting “so- under construction on Wednesday, leverage that success into a political Sept. 2, 2020 in Bozeman, Mont. cialist” policies of Democrats “He reminds me of a doctor you large on the state’s political scene juggernaut that’s pushing Montana’s Daines is seeking a second term and Republican party further to the right. against the free enterprise system faces a challenge from Montana Gov. would totally want to be your doc- and demands loyalty from Repub- that Daines and Gianforte say pro- Steve Bullock, while Gianforte faces tor because he would know what to licans. pelled the economy and their own Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney in the November do. But he would not want to con- Gianforte and Daines were ini- for Gianforte on Wednesday and careers, creating several hundreds gubernatorial election. sole you if it’s bad news,” Wiening tially lukewarm to Trump. When Vice President Mike Pence head- jobs in Montana along the way. said. Trump headlined a rally in Bill- lined a rally last week near Boze- “This system we have in this Daines was first to enter politics, ings as he neared victory in the man where Gianforte and Daines country has lifted more people out Democratic Party spokeswoman running for lieutenant governor in 2016 primary, Gianforte skipped spoke back-to-back and then en- of poverty than any system in the Christina Wilkes, who described 2008 while still at RightNow. He the event and issued a press release joyed a lengthy shout-out from history of the world,” Gianforte Daines and Gianforte as being in lost, then left the company in 2012 welcoming “another visit by a 2016 Pence. said. lockstep on corporate tax cuts and for a successful campaign for the presidential candidate” without Democrats as recently as 2014 Asked if they had any politi- repealing provisions of the Afford- state’s sole U.S. House seat. He ran mentioning Trump. Daines told held both Montana U.S. Senate cal disagreements, they looked able Care Act. for Senate two years later, cruis- a Montana newspaper in the pri- seats, the governor’s mansion and stumped. Daines finally shriveled “They’re mega-wealthy, and ing to victory after the recently- mary that Trump was “not my a bevy of other statewide offices. his face and said Gianforte likes to they are out for people like them- installed Democratic incumbent, first choice, or even my second for The GOP has been in ascendance eat the meat from black bears that selves,” Wilkes said. John Walsh, a former lieutenant president.” as the state has trended more con- he shoots. One area where the two Repub- governor under Bullock, quit amid They have since become ardent servative. The party now controls “I’ll still take a good piece of licans differ is personality, said plagiarism allegations. Trump loyalists. Gianforte caught both chambers of the Legislature beef,” Daines said with a laugh. Amy Wiening, who worked for Daines had been encouraging the president’s attention when he and every statewide post except Democrats paint a more nefari- Daines and Gianforte on the sales Gianforte to join him in politics. body-slammed a reporter for The governor and Democrat Jon Tes- ous picture of the friendship, con- team at RightNow. In 2016 Gianforte ran for governor, Guardian on the eve of his election ter’s seat in the U.S. Senate. tending Daines and Gianforte rose Both were supportive of each losing to Bullock in a tight race. He to the House. “My kind of guy,” Daines and Gianforte “fit the to riches on the backs of American other and their workers, she said. won the House seat once held by Trump said about Gianforte, who party like a glove right now,” Uni- workers and that their claim to But where Daines was easygoing Daines in a special election months pleaded guilty to misdemeanor as- versity of Montana political ana- be job creators belies RightNow and always made time to talk later. sault after initially misleading in- lyst Rob Saldin said. If they sweep Technologies’ role helping compa- about family or matters outside To say the pair now represent vestigators about what happened. the November election, “that’s a nies outsource jobs overseas. work, Gianforte was more driven the face of the Montana Republi- The fruits of the pair’s loyalty real vindication of going in this Corporate interests still domi- and could be harsh in his deliv- can Party would ignore the role of to Trump are now on display: The much sharper, Trump-y direction nate their agenda, said Montana ery, she said. Trump, who has loomed at least as President tweeted his support for the party,” he said. Voters reminded they can check status of their mailed ballots By ROB ROGERS in-person voting beginning Oct. 2. line portal that lets visitors see if they’re Mail-in ballots are sent to voters with [email protected] For everyone else, ballots will show up registered to vote, what mailing address two return envelopes — one for the bal- in the mail. The elections office will send they have on file, the status of their mail-in lot itself to ensure secrecy and another Voters wondering about the fate of the them out starting Oct. 9. ballot and directions to their county elec- in which the sealed ballot is placed to be ballots they’ll be mailing in for Novem- Reports about dysfunction with U.S. tions office. mailed back to the elections office. ber’s general election need not fret. The Postal Service operations and repeated — The site is run by the state’s Secretary News from Pennsylvania that ballots Montana Secretary of State’s My Voter and repeatedly debunked — claims about of State office, and it uses a voter’s first and returned without their secrecy envelope Page includes a page that reports on the rampant mail-in ballot voter fraud have last name and date of birth to find the in- may not be counted isn’t an issue for Mon- status of individual mail-in ballots. led some voters in Yellowstone County to formation. tanans, Rutherford said. Yellowstone County opted last month wonder how best to track their ballots once Voters worried about their ballot should “Absentee (or) mail ballots must be re- to hold November’s presidential election they put them in the mail. make sure they’ve signed the appropriate turned in a signed signature envelope but completely by mail. However, residents Bret Rutherford, Yellowstone County line on the mailing envelope and get it in (they) can still be counted if the signature wishing to vote in person can still do so; elections administrator, points them to the mail as soon as possible, Rutherford matches and the secrecy envelope is not the county election office will be open to the state’s My Voter Page, a one-stop on- says. used,” he said. October 2020 29 able Care Act. Rosendale, an opponent of the ACA, said private insurance companies offer the same benefits as the ACA under the insurance framework he and the state built. Repealing the ACA would “wipe the slate clean” of federal involve- House ment with individual choices on health care, he said. Williams said getting rid of the ACA would hurt the roughly 92,000 Montanans who receive Medicaid coverage under the act. And, cutting provisions within the ACA, such as coverage for preexisting conditions, would leave Montanans vulnerable to higher health care costs, she said. candidates The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it financial hardship. The route to economic recovery, according to Rosen- dale, would come through making permanent the Trump administration’s tax cuts under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Reducing the tax burden on businesses and individuals, he debate said, would ease the process on land purchases in construction. By PAUL HAMBY ROSENDALE WILLIAMS Williams called the act the “revenue giveaway of 2017” [email protected] and criticized it in part because it contributed to the na- incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, has served as state auditor tion’s deficit, estimated at $1.9 trillion, though she said she The candidates for Montana’s seat in the U.S. House of since 2017. He also previously held seats in the state Senate did not want to get rid of the act. Representatives met for their first debate with 40 days until and House of Representatives. Although he did not acknowledge climate change, Election Day. During Wednesday’s debate, questions centered on the Rosendale said proper management of the state’s forests Williams, Republican Matt Rosendale and Dem- outbreak of COVID-19 split the candidates. According to was needed to prevent a repeat of the wildfire that torched ocrat Kathleen Williams are vying to re- the latest data provided by the state’s Department of Health through an area northeast of Bozeman, destroying 30 Rosendale place outgoing Rep. Greg Gianforte as and Human Services, 10,912 have contracted the virus since homes. Forest management, he said, meant harvesting discuss Montana’s sole member of the U.S. House the outbreak began, and 601 have been hospitalized. The timber. “Radical environmentalists,” he said, stood in the of Representatives. The two met on a so- state has tallied 165 deaths. way of that harvesting. COVID-19, cially distanced broadcast presented by Williams said that a collaboration between local and Williams, who served on the Natural Resources Com- Montana PBS. federal authorities was key to stemming the spread of the mittee during her time in the Montana House, said the state health care Williams, a former state legislator, led virus, along with transparency in regards to the billions needed to be proactive and get ahead of the threat posed and more an unsuccessful campaign for House in of dollars in relief that have been distributed through the by climate change by supporting measures such as electric 2018 against Gianforte. The Billings Ga- CARES Act. Rosendale touted his efforts as the state auditor transportation and improving soil health in the agricultural zette previously reported that Williams, in ensuring that COVID-19 tests came at no cost, and sup- industry. who served three terms in the Montana Legislature, still ported liability immunity for businesses to remain open. “We cannot harvest our way out of fire risk,” Williams managed to break records for a Democratic candidate run- Rosendale also credited President Donald Trump for said. ning for the House seat in both votes and funds earned. closing off travel to China, and then to Europe, early in the Election Day is Nov. 3. Many, but not all, Montana coun- A Democrat has not won the seat since 1994. pandemic, saving “thousands, and thousands,” of lives. ties have chosen to hold this election all by mail. Mail bal- Rosendale, who also ran unsuccessfully in 2018 to unseat The candidates also disagreed on repealing the Afford- lots to most voters will go out Oct. 9. Some FAQs from the Montana Secretary of State

Montana Secretary of State Elections. What are the deadlines for the close of regular reg- How do I know which House and Senate district I istration for the federal primary and general elections? live in? Regular registration closes 30 days before any election. Go to https://leg.mt.gov/map/ and plug in your address, Late registration begins the next day, and ends at the close city and zip code. of polls on election day (except from noon until 5 p.m. on the What are the dates of the general elections? day before election day). Late registration can only be done A federal general election is held every even-numbered at the county election administrator’s office or the location year on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in Novem- designated by the election administrator. ber. Presidential elections are combined with congressio- Do I have to vote in a primary election in order to nal, statewide, state district, and county elections. vote in the general election? Where can I find polling place information and/or No. satellite location information? Which parties are qualified for primary access in For polling place information and other voter-specific Montana? Is there party registration in Montana? Can Thom Bridge, thom.bridge@helenai information, visit the My Voter Page service, https://app. people in a primary election vote for more than one The Montana State Capitol building in Helena. mt.gov/voterinfo/. For a list of polling places and satellite party’s candidates? locations for the upcoming or most recent federal election, The list of Montana’s qualified parties is available on our visit Polling Places and Satellite Offices at https://sosmt. website at: https://sosmt.gov/elections/parties. There is How are Montana’s presidential electors chosen? gov/elections/faq/#general-questions. no party registration in Montana. Individuals who vote in The applicable laws and a complete list of Mon- Where can I find out information about school elec- a primary election are given all the parties’ ballots, and can tana’s most recent presidential electors are avail- tions? choose in private which party ballot they wish to vote. Vot- able at https://sosmt.gov/Portals/142/Elections/ Visit the Office of Public Instruction website at http:// ers in a primary election cannot vote more than one party’s archives/2010s/2016/2016-General-Presidential-Elector- opi.mt.gov/Leadership/Finance-Grants/School-Finance/ ballots. Nominees-List.pdf?dt=1523473411709. 30 October 2020 Graybill, Knudsen duel in AG debate By SEABORN LARSON Graybill, in turn, blasted Knudsen’s [email protected] plan to cut state law enforcement func- tions as “dangerous,” and said he would Candidates for Montana’s next Attor- empower the Montana Department of Jus- ney General dueled over qualifications for tice to bolster public safety. The increases the office and whose agenda would be best in spending under Fox went to the State carried out in a debate televised recently Crime Lab, the Law Enforcement Acad- on MTN. emy, additional law enforcement near the Republican Austin Knudsen and Dem- Bakken Oil Field region, Montana Highway ocrat Raph Graybill, both seeking to re- Patrol and sex crime prosecutors, Graybill place the termed-out Republican Attorney said. Funding shouldn’t be diverted from General Tim Fox, traded barbs throughout treatment and prevention efforts, he said. the debate moderated by MTN chief po- “I have the receipts,” Graybill said. “I litical reporter Mike Dennison. Knudsen think it would be a disaster for public safe- was relentless in highlighting Graybill’s ty to cut those services.” limited experience while Graybill painted Asked if taking on prescription drug Republican Austin Knudsen, left, and Democrat Raph Graybill, right, are running for Montana Knudsen as “dangerous” and an “extrem- prices is the attorney general’s business, attorney general. ist.” Graybill argued that state attorneys gen- Graybill has been Democratic Gov. eral are the only ones making any headway Steve Bullock’s chief legal counsel since in an uphill battle. focus of one question during the debate. gether to make voting easier.” 2017, and was admitted to practice law in “We’re all paying too much for pre- Asked what his position is on the program, Knudsen said Graybill was “running for Montana in 2015. His vision for the attor- scription drug prices,” Graybill said. “I Knudsen said his only problem with Habi- the wrong office,” that the matter should ney general’s office is one of a watchdog think this is one of the most important tat Montana was an instance in which it be handled by the Secretary of State’s Of- advocate against prescription drug com- things the AG can do.” was buying ranches at inflated prices, in fice. But he did take a chance to say the panies and “dark money.” Knudsen, elect- Graybill also attacked Knudsen on his some case appearing to use the purchases Motor Vehicle Division has been a source ed as Roosevelt County Attorney in 2018, opposition to the Affordable Care Act, ar- as a kickback to Democrat donors. of frustration for voters. previously served two terms as Speaker of guing that killing the system known also Knudsen said he generally supports the Knudsen also defended his vote against the House in the Montana Legislature. He as Obamacare would likewise kill 10,000 program. But Graybill said such an argu- legislation to crack down on “dark money” sees the office’s chief concern to be drugs jobs in Montana and close rural hospitals. ment was why “people say they are sick of spending in the state as a support of First and violent crime. Knudsen said he doesn’t know of a politics,” saying Knudsen voted to cut the Amendment rights. “I’m a prosecutor right now,” Knudsen person in Montana who has said the qual- program’s funding. Graybill turned to his “You’ve got serious, fundamental Con- said. “Prosecuting criminals is what I do ity of their health care has gone up or the own experience working with a family in stitutional problems with a bill that tells every day for a living.” cost of their premiums have gone down, Wibaux who was “victimized by extrem- people how they can speak, when they can Knudsen said a 36% hike in violent but then shifted away from the health ist politicians like Austin” to block public speak and on what topics they can speak,” crime over the past decade has been fueled care question and again toward violent land access, and winning that case. Knudsen said. by Mexican drug cartels hauling meth, crime. He wouldn’t get in the “Legisla- Looking at a Graybill proposal to make Graybill touted Montana’s anti-”dark heroin and fentanyl into the state. He tout- ture’s sandbox” to push legislation on voter registration automatic when some- money” laws as cutting edge, adding these ed his work with local law enforcement and healthcare as AG, he said. He charged one acquires or renews their driver’s li- legal battles have been among his best prosecuting criminal cases as his upper Graybill with harboring “ultra-liberal, cense through the Motor Vehicle Division, work in the Governor’s Office. hand over Graybill. Knudsen said he wants activist’s ideas” about fighting prescrip- which is overseen by the attorney general, “I have fought for you time and time to further support local police agencies by tion drug prices. Dennison asked Graybill whether that was again to make sure our elections belong cutting “funding out of the bureaucracy in Knudsen’s legislative record on Habitat the AG’s job. to us,” Graybill said. “These groups come Helena and get it out to law enforcement Montana, a program under Montana Fish, “Well it’s certainly the job of the AG to into Montana because they don’t respect on the front lines of this problem so they Wildlife and Parks which acquires public make voting easier,” he said. “The secre- us. They think they can buy our elections.” can actually make a difference.” land by buying private parcels, was the tary of state and the AG should work to- Election day is Nov. 3. Republican Austin Knudsen and Democrat Raph Graybill, both seeking to replace the termed-out Republican Attorney General Tim Fox, traded barbs throughout the debate moderated by MTN chief political reporter Mike Dennison. Knudsen was relentless in highlighting Graybill’s limited experience while Graybill painted Knudsen as “dangerous” and an “extremist.”

October 2020 31 Pot Edibles No Potency Limits WRONG FOR Montana Vote N on I-190 & CI-118

Help us keep a Pristine, Productive, Healthy Montana!

Find out more at www.wrongformontana.com or on Facebook

Paid for by Wrong for Montana, Stephen A. Zabawa,Treasurer, PO Box 20515, Billings, MT 59104

32 October 2020