What are the most pressing issues facing Montana?

Threats to Democracy:  The threat to our national democracy is reflected in Montana where major state offices and both legislative houses are controlled by one political party. All other issues flow from this imbalance. I am deeply committed to maintaining our democracy. This is what spurred me to run for office against an unopposed candidate. Democracy depends on at least two parties representing various beliefs and opinions. I am horrified by some of the bills passed by the 2023 Republican supermajority legislature, and I want to give residents of Senate District 26 a choice in all areas of their lives.

Property Tax Relief: We must re-balance the property tax formula to give tax relief to residential property owners and reduce the residential property tax rate from 1.35 percent to 0.94 percent, as the Department of Revenue recommended in 2021. I support an automatic property tax exemption which provides a tax refund for residents unable to pay, specifically veterans and senior citizens. We must require large profitable corporations, millionaires, and billionaires to pay their fair share of taxes.

Healthcare: I support the re-authorization of the Medicaid program, and I would advocate reinstating those citizens who were dropped from the rolls for administrative errors. Medicaid allows people to obtain medical services that keep them healthy, on the job, and able to care for their families. Medicaid payments help medical providers to stay in business, a real issue in rural Montana.

Reproductive Rights: I support adopting CI 128 - the abortion rights amendment - once it has gathered sufficient signatures to be on the ballot and has been approved by the electorate. I want to ensure our daughters and granddaughters have the same rights I had.

Conservation and Access to Public Lands: I support Habitat Montana and will work closely with other advocates on specific pieces of conservation and public access legislation.