I am a 59 year old, third generation Montanan living with my spouse and family in Missoula. Born and raised in Great Falls, I worked on farms and ranches while in high school and college. I am a University of Montana graduate, with a degree in Computer Science and had a career in software development and as CIO of various leasing and business finance related companies. Before being elected to the legislature, I volunteered for the boards of a multitude of civic, non-profit, agriculture, childhood and education related causes in Missoula. As licensed foster care parents, we have cared for as many as seven kids in our house ranging from the age of four to sixteen. This width and breath of life experience is what I take to the legislature.
The issues that most people are talking to me about are property taxes, healthcare, public education, and the environment. Legislators were notified by the DOR of the upcoming property tax issue back in 2022, but the governor’s office ignored the problem and chose not to fix it. Thankfully, Montanans saw through the charade and voiced their strong opposition. Legislation will be needed to adjust personal property tax rates and provide for a homestead exemption. Abortion is healthcare and needs to be fully protected in our state constitution. Public education needs to be properly funded as required by our constitution. Global warming and clean energy are a threat to Montanans' lives and livelihoods and should be our next priority.
Surprisingly, many businesses and corporations received tax breaks this last legislative session due to the ongoing tax shift from businesses and corporations to homeowners. Property tax rates have recently shifted 60% of the burden being placed on personal property owners, and 40% is paid by businesses and corporations. This used to be reversed, making home ownership much more difficult for working families. I hear the argument that if businesses pay more taxes, they will just pass the cost along to the consumer. I feel consumers can better manage their personal finances by cutting non-essential purchases and services, but what should someone on a fixed income do to lower their tax bill? Sell their house? I don’t think that is a solution.
Expand Medicaid enrollment!
Medicaid expansion is critical for the healthcare of many Montanans, and is especially important in rural communities that run the risk of losing critical medical services if the legislature does not act. The Federal government covers 90% of the cost - this is not a difficult decision.
As an 11+ year school board member and a product of our public schools, I understand many of the challenges schools face. If we want to retain high quality educators, they need to be paid a living wage. I wonder why some legislators claim they support increased teacher pay and school funding, then turn around and vote against it. The state needs to fully fund public education and stop diverting public funds to private schools. We should allow public schools to be included in the state insurance fund. We need to elect a state school superintendent that stops undermining our school system and will prioritize public education.
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