St. Ignatius, MT
69
Arlee, MT
Owner/operator Jocko Canyon Grill food truck
BS, Business Administration-Management
My work experience is varied from Tribal, US Forest Service, non-profits and consulting work. I have served on many boards throughout my lifetime focused on education, protecting public & wild lands, climate crisis and protecting democracy. I served on CSKT Tribal Council 2014-2021, Chairwoman 2020-2021 and as a Representative in the 69th session. All of these leadership positions required engagement and communication with constituents listening to understand their concerns. I raised 4 adult sons as a single Mom. I have 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren. My family enjoyed 5 generations until we lost my Mom in March.
Affordability is the biggest concern I hear from constituents, in all areas of their lives including healthcare, housing, childcare, food, utilities, and transportation. The Growth & Opportunity (GO) Trust Fund established in the '25 session addresses affordable housing and early childhood investments over the long term. We extended the Medicaid expansion program affecting 75K Montanans. I sponsored HB 649 which would have created a $3 million grant program to bring local food (meat, produce, eggs, etc.) to food banks which failed by 3 votes on the House floor. Food security will continue to be a priority for me; however, the Administration refused to use state funds for SNAP benefits for 77K Montanans during the potential federal shutdown.
I would support a Montana Paid Family and Medical Leave Act that states like Washington, Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico and several others states have.
I would support a Basic Health Plan (section 1331 of Affordable Care Act) similar to Minnesota and New York.
Unfortunately this would be a hard sell in the GOP majority trifecta we currently have in Montana.
From what I have seen our Montana elections are secure. The State Administration Committee was given a tour of the Lewis & Clark County Elections Office and voters can be assured those elections are airtight. There is an audit process if numbers don't reconcile.
However accessibility continues to be whittled away as tactics from the Voter Suppression playbook are introduced year after year, i.e not allowing same day registration and voting, restricted ballot collection, changing which forms of identification are acceptable. This year Montana requires your birthdate on the outside envelope. Changes like these are confusing and potentially eliminate ballots if not filled out correctly,
"The Montana Plan" Initiative 194. Sign the petition!
I was raised in Seattle, Washington, and I’m 45 years old. I relocated to Arlee, Montana, seven years ago.
My primary concern is emergency services in both my district and across Montana. I’m deeply worried about the lack of funding for rural fire departments and EMS services throughout the state.
I would work with both sides of the isle to help.make coverage more affordable.
I believe there should be no PAC money . The rest of the rules are inplace that help.
