Columns

Montana Farm Bureau opposes overzealous river control initiative I-191

BOZEMAN, May 9 – The Montana Farm Bureau has joined more than 50 groups in opposing I-191 which would subject large stretches of the Gallatin and Madison rivers to the same strict regulations currently found only in national parks and wilderness areas. The result would restrict ranchers from watering livestock and farmers from irrigating, as well as stop most other activities in or around the rivers.

State Attorney Generals call on DHS to disband its Orwellian ‘misinformation’ board

May 5, 2022

The draft opinion leak isn’t the real Supreme Court scandal

On May 2, Politico hit America with a bombshell scoop: A leaked Supreme Court draft opinion overturning the last 50 years of federal jurisprudence on abortion, discarding Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, and returning the matter to the states.

It’s time to stop warehousing people with dementia at the State Hospital

One of us is a Republican legislator representing rural Gallatin County. The other is a Democratic legislator representing the city of Missoula. Despite our political differences, we are committed to taking action to end the crisis at the Montana State Psychiatric Hospital at Warm Springs. The State Hospital’s problems are not new. For more than a decade, federal investigators and disability rights advocates have sounded the alarm about persistent human rights violations against the Hospital’s residents. Avoidable falls, preventable deaths, untreated illnesses and broken bones, over-reliance on restraints both physical and chemical, chronic understaffing– this has long been the reality for the facility’s residents. As legislators tasked with oversight of Warm Springs, we frequently hear from families who are understandably terrified for the well-being of loved ones who end up there.

I-191 restricts public access, agriculture, and more in Southwest Montana

As part of a multigeneration farm/ranch family in the Gallatin Valley, I understand the vital importance of protecting our land and water resources. Farmers’ and ranchers’ stewardship of the land and water is our livelihood.

Unleash Montana’s Energy Potential

Energy is the lifeblood of human civilization and progress. Transportation, manufacturing, the Internet, heated homes, clean drinking water, agricultural production, and almost every other vital component of our modern lives relies on having consistent and reliable access to energy. Energy is also essential to our national security and independence. Just look at what is going on in Europe.

CI-121 will muddy the property tax waters

CI-121 is a ballot initiative with the goal of limiting or capping residential property taxes increases. Over the last year I have been concerned by rising inflation and increased property values but this initiative misses the mark on addressing any of these issues. No one likes paying taxes but they are necessary. Unfortunately, Montana’s tax codes are complex but this constitutional change will only muddy the water further. The Montana Constitution states that, “taxes shall be levied by general laws for public purposes”; not through constitutional initiative. Our property taxes fund our local schools, local roads, local law enforcement and even our cemeteries. Tax policy should be managed through the legislative process, not a change to our Montana Constitution. It is fiscally unwise to reduce or cap taxes without reducing or capping spending. We need dynamic tax policies to address the needs of our citizens, communities and state and we must demand that from our leaders and legislators.

Republicans abandon America’s ‘bipartisan’ infomercial provider. Will we get real debates now?

On April 14, the Republican National Committee announced its withdrawal from the Commission on Presidential Debates, which has monopolized “major party” debates since 1988. The RNC, claiming bias on the CPD’s part in selecting moderators, pledged to “find newer, better debate platforms.”

Product of the USA Label controversy

In March of 2020 the USDA made a statement that the present definition of the Product in USA label was confusing consumers. The admission came in response to a petition filed by the United States Cattlemen’s Association about accurate labeling. At present, simply repackaging imported beef once it enters the USA allows this product to carry the Product of USA label.

Sens. Daines & Risch: Let Montana, Idaho manage gray wolves!

Idaho and Montana’s successful recovery of the gray wolf was a significant achievement in species conservation. In less than ten years, not only were biological recovery targets for gray wolves met, they were exceeded. Unfortunately, delisting of the wolf has been mired in politics rather than informed by science. Last month, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland authored an editorial, devoid of facts but flushed with alarmist rhetoric, perpetuating the false narrative that Idaho and Montana’s wildlife management policies are driving gray wolves to extinction. What’s more, the Secretary disregarded both the spirit and procedure of the Endangered Species Act by explicitly threatening emergency listing. The Secretary’s editorial demands a response.