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Voices

Opinion on trapping: New Mexico moves forward, Montana leaps backwards

By Chris SmithApril 15, 2021

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Thinking about some other Western states’ version of so-called “leadership,” I am grateful for what we have here in New Mexico. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte is infamous for assaulting a journalist, attempting to undermine democracy, and violating his state’s hunting regulations (at least twice). News recently broke that Gianforte illegally trapped and killed a wolf that had … [Read more...] about Opinion on trapping: New Mexico moves forward, Montana leaps backwards

Letter to Gianforte: Trapping bills bad for Montana, bad for wildlife

By Kent LaudonApril 15, 2021

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Dear Governor Gianforte, I respectfully ask that you carefully consider vetoing the series of bills that attempt to legislate wildlife management (HB 224, HB 225, SB 267, SB 306, SB 314, SB 337, HB 468). For 31 years, I have had the privilege to serve as a wildlife manager for eight organizations and state, federal and tribal agencies to manage the public’s wildlife trust … [Read more...] about Letter to Gianforte: Trapping bills bad for Montana, bad for wildlife

Voices: Poll shows Legislature out of touch with voters on tobacco issues

By Amanda CahillApril 14, 2021

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An overwhelming number of Montana voters are concerned about tobacco use. So why do some members of the Montana Legislature continue to push bills on behalf of tobacco companies and against the wishes and health of Montanans? For example, Senate Bill 398, sponsored by Sen. Jason Ellsworth, actually makes it easier for the tobacco industry to hook our kids and harder for … [Read more...] about Voices: Poll shows Legislature out of touch with voters on tobacco issues

Kadas: Rushed tax bill will result in uncertain and regressive outcomes

By Mike KadasApril 13, 2021

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State legislators are rushing a massive overhaul of our income tax system through the legislature at the last minute. Senate Bill 399 would cost the state millions in revenue and result in one in five Montanans paying more in income taxes. Senator Hertz (R Polson) introduced this bill on March 26. It was heard in committee less than a week later. The committee voted just … [Read more...] about Kadas: Rushed tax bill will result in uncertain and regressive outcomes

Letters: 2021 Legislature shouldn’t handicap future sessions with bad bill

By Beth BrennemanApril 13, 2021

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After surviving the past year, 2017 seems like a lifetime ago. But for individuals with disabilities, it was a pretty memorable and terrible year in Montana. As a reminder, in 2017 Montana experienced a revenue downturn, and the Executive and Legislature responded with cuts. The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) experienced the deepest cuts. The … [Read more...] about Letters: 2021 Legislature shouldn’t handicap future sessions with bad bill

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