Viewpoints
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 826
The myth of increased voter turnout through vote by mail
In this month's off-year general election, there's one thing Idaho and Washington had in common - voter turnout was dismal. But there's more to the story: Idaho holds its elections... — Updated 11/29/2023
Letter: In support of Israel
The most important global issue of the day is that of the middle east conflict. The barbaric evil of Hamas was in full display October 7th. The reports are undeniable; "The IDF... — Updated 11/15/2023
Op-Ed: Make Your Voice Heard to Help Rebuild Montana's Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Systems
By Rep. Bob Keenan, DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton, Sen. John Esp No Montana community is untouched by the mental health crisis. Suicide. Addiction. Loneliness. The struggle to... — Updated 11/7/2023
Op-Ed: Clarifying The Facts As I See Them On The 95 Mill Property Tax Increase
Recently opinion pieces and information sent to legislators regarding the counties decision to levy 77.9 mills instead of the State directed 95 mills has been circulating in both... — Updated 11/7/2023
Why Does the House Speaker Matter, Anyway?
Wednesday, November 01, 2023 It would be a stretch to say that the US government came to a standstill after GOP members of the House unseated Kevin McCarthy as Speaker at the start... — Updated 11/6/2023
Op-Ed: A productive legislative session for hunters and landowners
Hunting season has arrived! As hunters flock to the hills in pursuit of Montana's treasured big game species, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the good work that was done in... — Updated 10/25/2023
Op-Ed: Is a new GOP tax underfoot?
The Montana Republicans claim that they support lower taxes and they do – selectively. They support lower taxes on millionaires and big corporations. Not you. The evidence from... — Updated 10/18/2023
Op-Ed: Judicial activism at work in transgender court case
There are many things that children can't legally do in Montana. They can't smoke a cigar, drink alcohol, die fighting for their country in a foreign war, vote or engage in a... — Updated 10/10/2023
U.S. Supreme Court considers tax case of the century
Is the U.S. Supreme Court posed to slam the door shut on efforts by some to impose wealth taxes across the country? We may soon find out. Multiple states, Idaho and Montana... — Updated 10/10/2023
Op-Ed: It's time for state management of grizzly bears
The recent spate of headlines about grizzly bear attacks and human-bear conflicts highlights the need for the federal government to return management of grizzlies to the State of... — Updated 10/2/2023
Op-Ed: Deadline approaching for property tax rebate
October 1st is the deadline to claim your $675 property tax rebate for this year. Tens of thousands of Montana property owners have already claimed theirs. If you're a Montana... — Updated 9/19/2023
Op-ed: The Biden Administration Has It Wrong. School Hunter Safety Programs Are Part of Our Montana Way of Life.
It's no secret that I don't look like most of my colleagues in Washington DC. They don't run a farm when they're back home, you won't find them swapping out duck foot shovels or... — Updated 9/19/2023
Op-ed: Protecting Montanans from government surveillance
We scored a big win for Montanans' privacy and against invasive surveillance technology during this year's legislative session. My Senate Bill 397 severely restricts government's... — Updated 9/11/2023
Op-Ed: It's time to claim your property tax rebate
The state legislature passed $384 million in property tax rebates, the first half of which is currently available to Montanans. The window to claim your rebate-up to $675 on your pr... — Updated 8/22/2023
Op-Ed: Funding Gives Montana a Plan to Reduce Vehicle-Wildlife Collisions
Anyone driving Montana's highways knows the risk of colliding with deer and other wildlife. Hardly a mile goes by without the gruesome reminders of hit animals, broken bumpers, or... — Updated 8/22/2023
Letter: Thanks for participation
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my neighbors in Senate District 40, in both Lewis and Clark and Powell Counties, for their participation in the recently held Montana... — Updated 8/9/2023
Op-Ed: Delivering Income and Property Tax Relief for Montanans
As I meet with Montanans in every corner of our state, I hear the same concern often –taxes are too high. And they're right. Taxes are too high and need to be reined in. Two... — Updated 7/27/2023
Power to the people, via the legislative branch
There's a reason it comes first. Article One, Section One of the U.S. Constitution says, "all legislative powers shall be vested in a Congress of the United States." State... — Updated 7/19/2023
Supporting public lands while following the law
As a proud defender and lover of public land, I have cast deciding votes for Montanans to hike, fish, and hunt some of the largest expansions of public land in decades-while... — Updated 7/19/2023
The Dialogue of Democracy Needs Tending
There are so many things I worry about these days. Are we going to default on our debts? Can we adapt to the accumulating impact of climate change? How are we going to handle the da... — Updated 7/10/2023
Op/Ed: They raised taxes on your home. Pay more... What for?
Less government and lower taxes!! You hear that political slogan from Republican candidates early and often while they are campaigning. Then comes political reality. How did... — Updated 7/10/2023
Op/Ed: Montanans are getting their money back
Nearly all working-age Montanans, more than half the state's total population, are getting some welcome news this month: the state is sending them money. Let's be clear. The money... — Updated 7/10/2023
What you should know about property tax appraisals
Property tax appraisals are currently arriving in the mail. It’s important to review the valuation and appeal it if you do not agree with the valuation. The appeal instructions are in the letter that was mailed to you. You only... — Updated 6/28/2023
A declaration for self-governance heard around the world
Americans will be celebrating the 247th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence on July 4. While this is undoubtedly the biggest birthday party we will participate in this... — Updated 6/28/2023
My Answer: God knows our need for rest and relaxation
Q: My husband and I are retiring and he plans to play golf and rest. I want to do something worthwhile. Is it wrong to spend retirement years enjoying all the things we couldn't do... — Updated 6/20/2023