Author: Dara Deines

What The Helena Issue #2 January 13th-17th 2025

Posted on by Dara Deines

Toplines: Capitol Rally for Medicaid, A Courageous Floor Debate, The Attacks on MT Judiciary, MMIP Task Force, The Hate of our State

As the second week closes out, we now have a clearer picture on what legislators are (and aren’t) prioritizing, and the attitudes they are bringing to this legislative session. Buckle up folks, it’s a bit of a long one.

Events Across the State

Billings

Monday, January 20th at the All Nation Christian church at 6pm join our team and the Black Heritage Foundation of Billings for an MLK day event. There will be live entertainment refreshments, and speakers honoring MLK.

Missoula

Wednesday, January 22nd from 6pm-8:30pm at Free Cycles  Montana Abortion Access Program “Art and Advocacy: Abortion Access in Focus.” will feature a pop-up gallery and artist talk, and a panel discussion on the impact of the Dobbs decision with speakers from MAAP, Blue Mountain Clinic, Planned Parenthood, and Montanans for Choice. The event is free attend, donations are welcome! 

Bozeman 

Thursday, January 23rd from 5:30-7pm Housing Happy Hour at Shine in Bozeman. Join Bozeman Welcoming Neighbors for a drink and chat about Bozeman’s Pro-Housing Initiatives. 

Whitefish

Friday, January 24th from 5:30-7:30pm at the Whitefish Community Center join us for our Introduction to Crochet and Fiber Arts Workshop! Come get yarn, learn to crochet, and tell us all your session-related questions.

Refreshments will be provided – please RSVP so we know how many hooks to bring! 

At the Capitol
Friday, January 24th, 11am – 2pm at the Capitol Rotunda join the Forward Montana legislative team at this year’s Climate Advocacy Day. Stop by our table to grab some swag and stay to listen to the powerful speakers! More info here about the Climate Advocacy Day. 

The Rallies Have Begun✊

Over 150 people joined together on the Capitol steps on Wednesday to rally in support of Montana’s Medicaid programs. Our organizing friends at Catalyst MT emceed the rally and hit home the key points of each speaker. As Alice Boyer of Catalyst MT stated, we are here to fight for over 80,000 Montanans who depend on Medicaid programs for essential care. 

Among the speakers was Joel Rosette, the CEO of the Rocky Boy Health Center in Box Elder, who explained how life-changing Medicaid programs have been for providing preventive and specialty care to tribal communities. And the significant impact this has had for quality of life for individuals living in rural parts of our state. 

Rep. Mary Caferro, Medicaid programs champion, gassed up the crowd and reminded everyone that the reason Medicaid programs continue to pass is because people like us show up, tell our stories, and demand action from our legislators. When she asked the crowd if they were ready to continue this fight to keep Montana’s access to affordable care, there was a raucous cheer from the attendees. 

Two Medicaid bills will likely be heard this upcoming week: HB 230 and HB 245. Stay tuned for hearing dates and next steps. 

If you are currently or have ever utilized Medicaid programs, we encourage you to submit public comment or give testimony in support. Sound both exciting and terrifying? Get in touch with organizers at Healthy Montana. They would love to support you in figuring out the best way to share your Medicaid story. Missed the rally? View the playback here! 

HB 121 Floor Debate

After rallying on the Capitol steps for Medicaid, our legislative team sat in the gallery, feet from where protesters were arrested last year, to listen to the House Floor Debate on House Bill 121. For a reminder of what House Bill 121 is, peep last week’s session update.

The bill sponsor’s opening was an attempt to (poorly) assure everyone that this wasn’t about trans people, but by the time the floor voted to end the debate, the Republicans who stood in support of the bill were saying the quiet part loud – and proud: this bill is about targeting trans people. 

In the face of this vile opposition, three Democrats succinctly covered why this type of legislation is harmful, to individuals and our community as a whole. It started with Rep. SJ Howell, who ended their speech with an unexpected, humorous quip on Republicans’ own messaging around Montana values of small government. Rep Ed Stafman was the second Democrat to speak in opposition, exposing the economic and legal foolishness of this Republican obsession with harassing trans people.

And finally, Rep. Zooey Zephyr stood in powerful defiance at a bill that Republicans won’t deny is also about a direct attack on her. 

While the outcome was a party-line vote of 58-42 and we’ll have to endure another hearing in the Senate, we saw from our communities an outpouring of opposition to this bill. 

Through public comment in committee last Friday, to the number of calls and messages to legislators – our hearts burst to see that we refuse to lose our fight against this type of legislation. Each message makes clear to legislators that we are fucking sick of having to talk about whether trans people get to live safely in our communities. 

Judiciary Attacks Continue

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the number of bills related to changes to our judiciary, we get it, it’s a lot. Along with a number of new pieces of legislation, there are 27 bills that were drafted during the interim through the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform. 

For reference, the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform was formed in the spring 2024, after the Montana Supreme Court reminded the legislature that they cannot pass unconstitutional laws.

In response, former Senate President Jason Ellsworth (SD 43 – Hamilton) put together this new Select Committee, declaring that the courts had overstepped the separation of powers and accused several courts of violating the state Constitution. 

After developing the Republican membership for the Select Committee, Sen. Ellsworth invited Democratic leadership to send their members. And while you may see Democrats’ names listed in the membership, they refused to legitimize the committee and did not attend a single meeting. 

So within the echo chamber of the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform, a faction of Republicans drafted 27 committee bills. Which leaves us with the question: which are innocuous (if any) and which, if passed, would undermine the impartiality and power of our courts system? We hope to have a clearer answer for you by next week. 

For now, SB 42, is raising the greatest concern for us, which would provide for the partisan election of judges and justices. Currently, our judicial elections are nonpartisan, meaning that candidates do not have a political party affiliation and instead are given the opportunity to run on merit and judicial values.SB 42 will also impact judicial campaigns and the type of money we could see flooding into those elections. 

In Ohio, one of the seven states in the country that has partisan elections, people are concerned at the influx of outside money to influence the outcome of judicial elections as well as judges feeling pressure to rule with politics in mind, instead of their honest interpretation of current law. 

The Forward MT legislative team are wrapping our heads around all the bills proposed to change the judiciary – and will have a more comprehensive analysis to clarify which bills are harmless and which ones could undermine the impartiality of our judicial system. 

What We Are Watching 👀

🏘️HB 21- Passed through the House with bipartisan support of (75-25), and is headed to House Appropriations for a hearing on the cost of the bill. Where advocates will hopefully demonstrate that this proven program will be a win-win for all Montanans both economically and for affordable housing access. 🤩

#DYK this is the third time this piece of legislation has been introduced in Montana. During previous hearings, there has been a constant theme from the diversity experts in attendance as proponents recognize this bill as an important step in combating the housing crisis that the state is experiencing. 

HB 21 would provide a workforce housing credit to provide further funding for affordable housing projects throughout the state, bridging gaps in funding for certified programs and ultimately provide for more affordable housing especially in rural communities.

This is accomplished by providing tax credits that are designed to be sold so that the created capital can be used towards housing projects. These are decisions that are made locally and will only be given to certified building projects that meet the necessary criteria, these credits can significantly help  fund a project. We are very optimistic towards this bill and will continue to provide updates as it works its way through the Senate!

Hero of the Week- Rep. Tyson Running Wolf
(D)- Browning

This week, our hero is Rep. Tyson Running Wolf for introducing HB 83 which would set aside money to continuously fund the Missing and Murder Indigenous People’s Task Force. 

Background: The Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force, was created in 2019 with the goal to bring county, state, and federal agencies together to communicate more effectively and pinpoint the gaps in response when someone is reported missing. 

The task force was reauthorized in 2021, receiving $10,000 for two years of operation, which proved to be inadequate funding for the Task Force to accomplish its goals. So, in 2023 another bill requested additional funding and an extension of the sunset date placed on the task force. 

The result: the task force sunset date was extended from two years to 10, to ensure the task force exists through the next five legislative session. But the requested budget was slashed to 1/10th of what was requested, leaving uncertainty on how effective the task force can be.  

Fast forward to this week: Rep. Tyson Running Wolf, who championed the 2019 bill, introduced House Bill 83 to create a special revenue account to allow the task to accept and generate its own funding, instead of relying on state funds. 

Rep. Running Wolf shared in his testimony that this bill is a call to action – and his continued vocal advocacy on this issue is why he is our Hero of the Week. 

Villain of the Week- Governor Greg Gianforte
The Hate of our State

On Monday, January 13, Governor Gianforte delivered his third state of the state address before a full room of legislators, state-elected officials, and the MT Supreme Court Justices. While we hoped that the Governor would work to coalesce two parties around reasonable solutions on housing and healthcare, the speech left some feeling disoriented. It felt for some that he was reading from two very different speeches, haphazardly cut and pasted together.

Depending on the topic, his tone swung between proclamations of ensuring prosperity in our state, to offensive requests for discriminatory policy be sent to his desk. The one piece we found inspiring was directing legislators to set aside $100M in the budget to raise teacher pay and support educators just starting their career, which had the entire legislature on their feet. 

He boasted of dining with President-Elect Trump at Mar-a-Lago, while insisting that he was invested in supporting working Montanans. 

He demanded that the legislature fast-track policies to cut taxes, insisting that he needed those on his desk by the beginning of February. This timeline, similar to last session’s tax cuts, would circumvent the budget conversations legislators are having until mid-February to determine which new and existing budget items should be included in our state budget for the next biennium. 

He made direct eye contact with the Montana Supreme Court Justices, who sat in the first two rows, as he made clear his plans to support legislation that would erode the separation of powers and undermine the impartiality of our judicial system. 

But what stood out most to us is his hateful anti-trans rhetoric that got the most attention from Republicans with loud applause and a standing ovation. He requested that bills like HB 121 be rushed to his desk for signature. He articulated that one of his highest priorities is to pass discriminatory policy. And for this reason, Governor Gianforte is our villain of the week. 

What The Helena Issue #1 January 6th-10th 2025

Posted on by Dara Deines

Toplines for this issue: Already, an attack on trans rights, plus the Senate debate and rules fight. 

Welcome to What the Helena, Forward Montana’s newsletter where we will cover the 69th Legislative Session. It’s the first week of the session and the unexpected (but also not unexpected) is happening. 

Legislators were barely sworn in on January 6th before the drama began. With over 4200 bill draft requests making their way through legislative services, it seems we are in for another rollercoaster. Grab yourself a drink and snack, and let’s get into the policies and tea from the first week. 🍵

To hear more about our team’s takeaways from this first week (or if you prefer to listen to your news), be sure to check out the What the Helena Podcast!

🏛️ At the Capitol and Virtual Gatherings

There will be a lot of opportunities to join us at the Capitol or in community to talk about the 69th legislative session. The first couple of opportunities to engage are right around the corner!

  • Wednesday, January 15th at 12pm, join Montanans from across the state at Capitol Flag Plaza (in front of the Capitol building) for the Montana Medicaid Rally. RSVP here! 
  • Thursday, January 16th at 12pm, join us at a virtual action to Call Your Lawmaker. This youth-led event will provide you with the tools and practice on how to contact your legislator – in particular, to invite them to the Climate Advocacy Day, happening on Friday, January 24th, in the Capitol Rotunda. RSVP here for the virtual call. More info here about the Climate Advocacy Day.

Republicans Need a Priority Check 

With questions around healthcare, housing, and climate action, we would think that legislators would prioritize discussions and policies to address these issues. Instead, by the second day of session, conservatives decided to fast-track their attacks on trans people. 

Background: The full legislature meets every 2 years to pass policy and the state budget. But, did you know that legislators continue to meet between each legislative session in a series of meetings referred to as interim legislative committees. While interim committees do not pass policy, they can work together to draft policy to introduce at the next legislative session. 

During the first few weeks of session, we’d expect to see the slew of bills drafted during the interim committees making their way to their first hearings. After all, legislators have spent months on these bills. Instead, House Republicans set a Friday hearing for an entirely new bill to discuss where trans people get to use the bathroom in public spaces. 

House Bill 121, sponsored by Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe, poses as a bill aiming to protect the privacy of (cis)women, but it is a thinly veiled attempt to prevent individuals from using the bathrooms, changing rooms, or private facilities that align with their gender. This bathroom ban is particularly egregious because it would allow anyone to sue public schools, private businesses, and even domestic violence shelters if they believe they’ve encountered someone who is in the “wrong” bathroom. 

The person suing could force a business, school, or shelter to change their restroom access, as well as demand money for any damages caused to their person as a result of the incident. The real impact of this bill isn’t public safety, but significant loss of funds to universities, public schools, shelters, and businesses who will have to navigate a civil suit based on what one person thinks of the appearance of another. 

As Representative Bedey noted in December during a pre-session bathroom debate, HB 121 and similar bills are a distraction from the real issues facing Montanans. We urge that like in December, common sense prevails. 

For now, we continue to ponder why legislators are so obsessed with having a say in where trans people get to use the bathroom. It’s creepy. 😖

A Senate in Disarray

Having rules and committee assignment debates is not the normal agenda for the first week of session, as rules are usually settled during pre-session discussions. Yet before the ink had dried on each senator’s oath of office, order on the Senate floor dissolved after Minority Leader Pat Flowers motioned to undo a recent rules decision that formed a new standing committee. 

The motion passed with the full support from Senate Democrats plus nine Senate Republicans. This means that committee assignments for all regularly scheduled (standing) Senate committees could now possibly change – drastically changing the landscape of what types of bills can (or cannot) make it out of committee. 

In response, Senate Republican leadership – Senate President Matt Regier plus Senate committee chairs suspended all business as usual for the whole week. Want more info on the motion and impact? Peep our villain section. 👇

The result: The senate had ZERO bill hearings this week, after initially having a full week of work scheduled. Where this will all land is yet to be determined. Between the conflict within the Republican party and the Senate now a week behind in work, tensions are high in the building as lawmakers try to get things moving again. 

Incoming Attacks on the Judiciary 👩‍⚖️

Before the senate stalled, there were a slew of bills scheduled that seek to undermine our state’s fair and impartial judiciary, particularly aimed at the Montana Supreme Court. 

This is in response to MT SCOTUS persistent reminders this past year to the legislature that they cannot pass unconstitutional policy. Conservatives have declared war on the separation of powers and the court’s authority. We expect to know more next week on when these bills will be scheduled. Keep an eye out for calls to action regarding judicial attacks.

What We Are Watching 👀

🏡 House Bill 21 would establish a Montana Workforce Housing Tax Credit. As most of us are all painfully aware, there is a housing shortage across all our communities. The state’s population continues to grow and lawmakers need to find solutions now to figure out how to support our communities instead of allowing inaction to create further harm to our quality of life and economy. 

HB 21 would provide access to additional funding sources, which are badly needed to fund new affordable housing options for working Montanans. The bill had its first hearing in the House Tax Committee on Friday, January 10th – and received overwhelming bipartisan advocate support. We’ll keep you posted on the committee’s decision. 

Hero of the Week- Rep. Mary Caferro (D) Helena

We are excited to announce our first hero of the 69th Legislative Session: Representative Mary Caferro. On the 4th day of session, Rep. Caferro stood up for Montanans on the House floor by declaring that our taxpayer dollars should not be used to defend the state in lawsuits regarding their bad behavior. 

#DYK: For the last few decades, the public has had access to the behind-the-scenes documents and correspondence that go into a bill draft process. This compilation of information collected by the Legislative Services Division is referred to as the junque files. These files allowed advocates, journalists, lobbyists, and anyone else in the public to see what resources and relationships legislators were using to influence their bill drafts. 

Fast forward to this past year, when a ruling by Lewis and Clark District Court Judge Christopher Abbott left us with the unanswered question: are junque files ‘privileged’ information, or subject to the public right to know? 

As a result, the Legislative Services Division closed off access to these files, citing this court decision. Resulting in a major loss to transparency in our legislative processes. 

Back to this week: In the House floor debate of House Bill 1, the bill that funds the salaries of legislators and staff for the 69th legislative session, Rep. Caferro brought an amendment to remove a section of funding intended to pay for the state’s defense in a lawsuit that seeks to keep this information from the public. 

Rep. Caferro declared that taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay to lose their right to know. And we couldn’t agree more. 

Villain of the Week- Sen. Matt Regier (R) Kalispell

While we all expect our schedules during session to include last minute changes and quick turnarounds, we are appalled by the behavior of one senator this week that kept the entire chamber in uncertainty and wasted tax-payer dollars by freezing committee agendas. For that reason our first villain of the week is Senate President Matt Regier. 

As we shared earlier in this newsletter, the Senate was at a standstill after a surprise motion on the floor to change the designation of a new committee from standing to on-call. 

Background: In the fall after the election, the newly elected legislators convene in Helena to begin preparations for session. One of the most important preparations is the establishment of the rules that will govern the legislative processes. This past fall, conservative leadership adopted rules that created a new committee: Executive Review. 

The reason? Many conservative Republicans believe that the Governor is not aligned with their conservative principles. This committee was a strategy to keep the Executive branch in check by sending bills requested by the Governor and his agencies to be heard in this Executive Review committee. 

When the committee was redesignated to be an on-call committee, Senate President Regier used his position in leadership to cancel all hearings until the decision could be reversed. As of Friday, the 9 senators who voted for this change are holding firm in their decision. 

The result: a colossal waste of time and money for everyone expecting the Senate to begin their important work this week. Including the House chamber, which continued to hear bills and schedule hearings. Although the Senate is now a week behind, Regier has conceded that it is time to accept his chamber’s decision and let the Senate get to work.

What a way for this legislative session to start 🎢

2024 Post election Statement and resources

Posted on by Dara Deines

Like many of you, we are processing the outcome of the general election. There’s a lot that we don’t know, and it’s too early to draw any definitive conclusions about what the future holds.

Here’s what we do know: we are so proud of the young people who showed up to make their voices heard. This commitment to making the promise of democracy real cannot be understated; on election night, some young people stayed at the polls until nearly 4 am to cast their ballot. In doing so, we successfully protected abortion rights and gained enough Democratic and moderate Republican seats in the state legislature to have a chance at passing policies that benefit all Montanans. It’s important that we celebrate these wins. 

At the same time, Tim Sheehy’s election and Donald Trump’s re-election reflect a painful reality that we must grapple with. We now have a Senator-elect who bullies trans people, mocked Indigenous people and believes the government should have final say on what we do with our bodies. We also have a president-elect who threatens American democracy, pits communities against each other and spreads hate. These newly elected officials will stall progress on policies that will improve the lives of young people in Montana. Like many of you, we are worried that the results of the election will leave our loved ones, our communities, and our state under threat.

But we cannot give in to despair. Forward Montana will continue to hold our elected officials accountable- whoever they are. We will continue to advocate for you – whether that’s at a City Council or City Commission meeting, in Helena for a state legislative hearing, or any other place. Let’s show up for each other, to advocate for our rights and freedoms. 

Our future is not won or lost in one election. It’s something we must fight for year-round, every single day. Forward Montana will continue to do just that. We’ll continue to organize from Flathead to Missoula to Billings to Glendive — every corner of Montana. Because this is our home. We are not going away.   And we will fight for the Montana we deserve.

In mutual aid organizing, there’s a maxim: give what you can, take what you need.In these next several days and weeks it’s particularly important that we take care of ourselves and each other. Please ask for what you need and give what you can to sustain one another. 

  • If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 OR text 741-741 for FREE 24/7 help. You can also access care from community for mental health through:
    • Trans Lifeline (24/7 peer support hotline by and for trans people, police divested) –  1 (877) 565-8860
    • BlackLine (non-judgmental, witnessing, affirming peer support, counseling, and reporting of mistreatment) – 1 (800) 604-5841
    • Stronghearts Native Helpline (a free, safe and confidential helpline for Indigenous people affected by domestic violence or dating violence)  –  1(844) 762-8483
    • LGBTQ+ National Hotline  (confidential, peer support for LGBTQIA+ community members) – 1 (888) 843-4564
  • If you had difficulties voting contact us at hello@forwardmontana.org.
  • If you have experienced a hate crime or threat, confidentially report and receive support with Montana Human Rights Network at www.mhrn.org/report-hate. 

Take care of yourself, find comfort in community and when you’re ready we will be here fighting for young Montanans

Sexual Liberation Through a Repro Lens

Posted on by Dara Deines

Sexual Liberation is the idea that people should be able to express their sexuality without shame, judgment, or discrimination. This liberation acknowledges diverse sexual identities and practices, advocating for a society that respects individual choices and autonomy.

The Role of Power in Sexual and Reproductive Rights
Power impacts our decisions about our bodies, sexuality, and reproduction. Societal, economic, and political structures often dictate when and how individuals can exercise their reproductive choices. For instance, marginalized communities may face systemic barriers that limit access to essential reproductive healthcare, leading to a cycle of disenfranchisement and inequality.
We all deserve the right to live our lives as freely as we want. Which is why understanding these power dynamics is crucial.

Sexual Liberation and Reproductive Justice: 
Reproductive Justice is about understanding sexual and reproductive issues. It’s based on the idea that all people should have the power and resources to make healthy decisions about their bodies, sexuality, and reproduction. 

Sexual Liberation and Reproductive Rights: 
The focus of Reproductive Rights advocates is often on policy goals and legal protections and reproductive rights is much more than policy.  

Reproductive Rights include the right to choose when, how, and whether to have access to sexual and reproductive health services. These services include contraception, abortion, fertility treatment, information and education.  Examples would be medically accurate sex education for young people under the age of 18; and access to resources. 

Access to Healthcare: Ensuring individuals can obtain comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including contraception, abortion, and fertility treatments.

Education: Promoting medically accurate sex education for young people, ensuring they are informed and empowered to make choices about their own bodies.

Legal Protections: Advocating for laws that protect individuals from discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or reproductive choices.

Reproductive Rights are considered key to addressing gender inequity and poverty world-wide.

Sexual and Reproductive Health
Sexual and Reproductive Health has to do with direct care, services, and education that people have. Individuals need to take care of their bodies, have safe and satisfying sexual lives, and create, end, or prevent pregnancies based on their own decision-making. 

Our young folks today deserve the right to sexual education, resources, and the right to make their own decision about their reproductive lives! This is why we need to elect a supreme court that values the future of young Montanans. leaders who understand and support the importance of comprehensive sexual education, equitable healthcare access, and protections for all individuals.

The Next Phase in Forward Montana’s Movement

Posted on by Dara Deines

As I reflect on my time with Forward Montana, I’m overwhelmed with pride for everything we’ve accomplished — everything YOU’VE helped accomplish! Our wins belong to all of us; everything we’ve achieved has been built on the work of the organizers and leaders who came before me, and the work of the brilliant team I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside for the last five years.

We’ve fought — successfully — to defend young Montanans’ right to vote. Through two lawsuits we’ve helped safeguard voting access, especially for younger and more marginalized voters, who are often shut out of the process. These wins were hard-fought, and feel like a monumental victory in a time when that right is increasingly under threat. 

And, of course, we’ve turned out young voters! In the last federal election (2022), turnout for youth who were contacted by Forward Montana was 14 percentage points higher than for all registered youth voters in Montana. If a young voter received multiple types of contact (mail, phone, canvass) they turned out at a rate that was 30 percentage points higher than their peers. We’re hopeful for similar success this fall. Even when the political landscape isn’t always friendly to young, progressive voices, we can still make tangible change.

But of course, it hasn’t been easy. While people often say that the Executive Director role is the loneliest position, I was never actually alone. Everywhere I turned, it was people like you, who believed in me and Forward Montana, that helped the organization grow into the powerhouse it is today. It was the people who came before me – Matt Singer, Andrea Marcoccio, Kayje Booker, and Rachel Huff-Doria who built and continued the dreams of young people. It was all of the staff, members, and volunteers who walked through our doors (and Zoom rooms) who made and continue to make up the heart and soul of this organization that we all love.

I am so dang incredibly proud of Forward Montana’s resilience and strength through the highs and lows that the last five years has thrust at us. Whether it was during a global pandemic or a contentious election cycle or legislative session, Forward Montana provided hope, community, and action. This resilience is a testament to all of you, who power this organization. Your creativity, determination, and yes, your sass, has kept us moving forward through challenge after challenge.

Today, it is with incredible gratitude and humility that I would like to share that January 2025 will be my last month with Forward Montana. I don’t have any concrete plans for what comes next, but I know I’m staying in Montana. This is home! I’m taking some time to rest—yes, there will be skiing so I hope to see you on the lifts or in the backcountry! Forward Montana will always be a part of me, and I know that the organization is in good hands with the incredible people who are leading the way.

As I step back, I’m excited to watch a new generation of leaders push the boundaries of what’s possible. I don’t know what the future holds—whether it’s fighting for affordable housing, climate justice, voting rights—but I do know this: Forward Montana will continue to be a political home for young people, and we’ll keep pushing elected officials to govern for all of us, not just the privileged few.

If you, or someone you know, is ready to lead Forward Montana in this next chapter, I encourage you to apply! I started my ED journey as a 27-year-old who believed in the power of young leaders. That next person could be you!

I am so grateful for each and everyone one of you for believing in the dream of Forward Montana.

Kiersten Iwai

Executive Director

Whose Court? Our Court!

Posted on by Dara Deines

Exploring the Role of the Montana Supreme Court

In the vastness that is the Montana legal landscape, the Montana Supreme Court stands tall as the ultimate pillar of justice and constitutional interpretation. Serving as the highest court of last resort in the state, it plays a pivotal role in ensuring the fair application of laws and safeguarding individual rights.

What Does the Montana Supreme Court Do?

The Montana Supreme Court primarily functions as an appellate court, reviewing cases from lower courts—including district, worker’s compensation, and water courts—when parties appeal rulings they deem unjust, unconstitutional, or unfair. Beyond this appellate role, the court can also hear original proceedings, particularly in cases involving emergencies or questions of statewide constitutional significance.

How Are Montana Supreme Court Justices Chosen?

One of the most compelling aspects of Montana’s judicial system is how its justices are selected: directly by the voters. Through nonpartisan elections, Montanans have the power to elect seven justices to eight-year terms, the longest of any elected official in the state. This democratic process ensures accountability and allows citizens to directly influence the composition of their highest court. Even unopposed justices face retention elections, where voters decide whether they continue to serve—a crucial mechanism to maintain judicial integrity and diversity of perspectives.

Why Should You Care About Montana Supreme Court Justice Seats?

The decisions made by the Montana Supreme Court reverberate throughout the state, shaping policies that affect everything from voting rights to environmental protections. Justices interpret not only the Montana Constitution but also the U.S. Constitution and state statutes, making their role in upholding individual rights and state laws paramount. Issues like privacy rights, access to healthcare, and environmental sustainability often find their resolution in this court, underscoring the significance of judicial elections in safeguarding these fundamental rights.

Key Issues and Recent Cases

Recent cases before the Montana Supreme Court highlight its pivotal role in addressing contemporary challenges. For instance, in the landmark Held v. State case, Montana youth challenged the state’s environmental policies, asserting their rights to a healthy environment and dignified life—a testament to the court’s role in safeguarding future generations’ rights. Similarly, housing laws and their constitutional implications were recently scrutinized, demonstrating the court’s broad influence on state policy and governance

Why It Matters

The Montana Supreme Court isn’t just another judicial body—it’s the final stop of justice in the state, making decisions that profoundly impact Montana’s future. From protecting individual liberties to shaping statewide policies, its rulings set precedents that shape our collective future. For anyone invested in issues like civil rights, climate action, and democratic governance, paying attention to Montana Supreme Court elections is not just important—it’s essential.

As Montanans, our engagement in judicial elections ensures that our highest court reflects our values and defends our rights. By understanding the role of the Montana Supreme Court and the impact of its decisions, we uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and democratic accountability that define our state.

So, whether you’re passionate about environmental sustainability, reproductive rights, or equitable housing policies, remember: the Montana Supreme Court is where these issues find their resolution, making your vote and your voice crucial in shaping Montana’s legal landscape and future.

Need a reminder leading up to the election? Take our Pledge to Vote!

2024 Board Elections

Posted on by Dara Deines

It’s that time of the year again! We have six spots with ten awesome candidates to choose from. If you are a member of Forward Montana (aka you have donated $10 or more or volunteered for two hours or more in the past year) you are able to cast six votes! Each vote must be for a different candidate.
Make sure to cast your votes by noon on July 17th! (Voting is now closed!)

Check out more information below about each candidate and when you are ready to vote, head to the link below!

(*) indicates incumbent board member

List of candidates

(option to scroll to each candidate or click the links to jump to their bios)

Meshayla Cox | Bailey Desper | Jordyn Geruso | Katie Harrison |
Nik James | Alyssa LaTray | Kaya Patten-Fusselman | William Schenck| Faith Scow | Sarah Tidd

To view each Q&A below the candidates, click the gray area of the question.

Meshayla Cox*

Montana | CoEquity Consulting,
DEIJ Consultant

What excites you about Forward Montana & Forward Montana Foundation?

Love to see the ways FMT is dedicated to progressing policies and protecting rights for all people to vote by centering marginalized communities

Why are you interested in joining the Forward Montana Board?

I have learned so much as a board member, there are great folks who are super committed to the success of the organization and I appreciate finding ways to support all the good work happening. I especially orient towards uplifting employee support and there have been wonderful & progressive advancements to ensuring involvement from staff in different processes and decision making.

Please describe your board experience (whether being a board member or working closely with a board).

It’s been super eye opening, a big learning experience. I appreciate the patience and dedication from everyone involved.

What skills, characteristics, experience, or insight do you have that would be a valuable addition to the board?

I am always thinking about what it means to integrate equity into decision making and process development. I think it’s an important part of how forward Montana orients to their work in all ways. I have skills in inclusive policy development & language, project management, and staff engagement and training.

Bailey Desper

Billings, MT | Montana Democratic Party (MDLCC)

What excites you about Forward Montana & Forward Montana Foundation?

Forward Montana is greatly invested in the community’s it serves around Montana and actually advocates on more than just one issue including supporting our local and state candidates.

Why are you interested in joining the Forward Montana Board?

What interest me about becoming a board member is that I would like to see more advancement in Yellowstone County around LGBTQ. I would like to help build a program that mirrors something similar from the lgbtq Los Angeles Institute and the Deep Canvass Institute around having deep canvassing conversations with voters to help shift perspectives on LGBTQA issues and pass a NDO for Billings or state legislation and advocate for change for generations to come.

Please describe your board experience (whether being a board member or working closely with a board).

My experience with nonprofits are that they are not out to make a profit. What they bring in always goes right back into the community and to their employees wages not much profit to be expected.

What skills, characteristics, experience, or insight do you have that would be a valuable addition to the board?

I have a good ground game and failure is not an option for me and If I don’t succeed I don’t give up and I always try again. I love planning events and doing what I can to help bring the community together.

Jordyn Geruso

Bozeman, mt | Engagement Manager – Veterans for Responsible Leadership

What excites you about Forward Montana & Forward Montana Foundation?

Our up and coming generations are exciting. We are speaking out and advocating in a way that hasn’t been seen before. Forward Montana providing an empowering space in a sometimes intimidating space is really exciting. Heck I still get intimidated but it is so important to have a community that has the same values and mission. It’s great seeing this type of movement in Montana.

Why are you interested in joining the Forward Montana Board?

I’m interested in being involved in the community. Although not a native, Bozeman has become my home over the past 2.5 years. I love what it is but see so many gaps. I think our community is strong enough to build not only a better Bozeman, but a better Montana for generations to come. I am growing in the nonprofit and political space and finding a voice. I would love to continue that growth with Forward Montana.

Please describe your board experience (whether being a board member or working closely with a board).

I currently work for Veterans for Responsible Leadership as an Engagement Manager. This organization is a Super Pac but working to get a 501c19. I manage everything from budget, compliance, reporting to volunteer events and engagement. I also sit on the board for the Sweet Pea Festival as an advertising chair. I love being a part of the community and helping with advertising and marketing efforts. A few years ago I interned with Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance and worked on grants, in-kind donations, and event organization.

What skills, characteristics, experience, or insight do you have that would be a valuable addition to the board?

operational skills (prior to my current role I was in payroll + accounting for 3 years), event planning, volunteer engagement, partnerships, communication and outreach skills. Any skills that I lack on I am eager to try to revamp them.

Katie Harrison

Billings, mt | Owner Sweetwater Cafe, Community Organizer MEIC

What excites you about Forward Montana & Forward Montana Foundation?

Oh gosh what doesn’t excite me about you all?!! You guys are perfect really. You combine environmental with social Justice with ACTION. And you do it in a way that is fun, palatable and cool!

Why are you interested in joining the Forward Montana Board?

Because it would be an absolute honor to be a part of the Board of one of the best nonprofits in Montana.

Please describe your board experience (whether being a board member or working closely with a board).

I started up SustainaBillings on my own and have been running it ever since. And I now am also employed part-time for a second nonprofit (MEIC).

What skills, characteristics, experience, or insight do you have that would be a valuable addition to the board?

My passion and appreciation for what FM is and does in Montana. I’m an active participant when I am involved in something – I take my commitments and responsibilities very seriously. And I love, respect and admire everyone I know at FM.

Nik James

Billings, MT | Store Manager at Autozone

What excites you about Forward Montana & Forward Montana Foundation?

The community education regarding current important issues in all areas. The peoples passion and compassion is highly addictive and I would love to be a part of that energy in our community.

Why are you interested in joining the Forward Montana Board?

I would love to bring ideas to the table and network with great people already making changes.

Please describe your board experience (whether being a board member or working closely with a board).

I have volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, Meal Train, and the annual river clean ups.

What skills, characteristics, experience, or insight do you have that would be a valuable addition to the board?

I believe in the power of positivity and knowledge. I have people skills given my 12 year career leading people. I am a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and have experiences that may useful in discussions and or educational opportunities.

Alyssa LaTray

Billings, MT | Director of Political & Governmental Relations – Western Native Voice

What excites you about Forward Montana & Forward Montana Foundation?

Forward Montana’s approach to engaging young people excites me. As a young person who frequents coffee shops, painting studios, and hip spots around town–Forward Montana and their flashy stickers are unavoidable. I am impressed by the way their team is able to garner authentic political interest in young people by reaching us in places we don’t expect to find political information.

Additionally, as someone who works in the non-profit world, I admire how fervently Forward Montana works to register young people to vote! Our vote is our power, and young people have the power to be the catalyst to palpable, powerful change.

Why are you interested in joining the Forward Montana Board?

The first time I encountered Forward Montana was at a Pride parade in Billings when I was in high school. I got a sticker that has been stuck to my car for the better part of 6 years; it said “Give a shit.” I couldn’t have said it any better than that; I was a young person in Montana who gave a shit about politics. Forward Montana has always impressed me with the reach and breadth of their work. It is an organization that provided me a channel to funnel the excitement and passion I felt about politics. That said, Native American youth are a powerful voting force; as an enrolled member of the Little Shell tribe, I am excited by the opportunity to represent the Native community as a board member of Forward Montana. I believe that the Native youth are a sleeping giant in the state of Montana, and with enough intentionality and effort, we can awaken them the same way Forward Montana impassioned me.

Please describe your board experience (whether being a board member or working closely with a board).

I am currently the Director of Political and Governmental Relations at Western Native Voice, a non-profit dedicated to civic engagement in Montana’s Indian Country. I have served in my role since June of 2023.

Prior to that, I was a field organizer with San Francisco Rising. In my role, I worked on a campaign to cancel student debt.

Additionally, I have volunteered with Planned Parenthood and Generation Rising.

What skills, characteristics, experience, or insight do you have that would be a valuable addition to the board?
  • Cultural familiarity and sensitivity: I have worked on all 7 reservations and with the Little Shell tribe. I am keenly aware of what it is like to be Native in the state of Montana.
  • Non-profit experience: I have worked and volunteered for several non-profits. I am deeply passionate about the role of non-profits in the political and civic engagement realm.
  • Expansive worldview: I hold an English and Political Science degree from Stanford, which I believe has broadened my perspective on national issues. Coupled with my familiarity of my hometown of Great Falls, my current city of Billings, and my familial ties to the Blackfeet reservation – I think that I am well-rounded in my understanding and knowledge of politics in MT and beyond.

Kaya Patten-Fusselman*

Livingston, MT | Executive Director, Livingston Food Resource Center

What excites you about Forward Montana & Forward Montana Foundation?

I love FMT and FMF because it’s sometimes the only place I can see my values and voice reflected in the Montana political process; when I engage I know I’m being heard and advocated for. I love this state with every piece of me, and because I love it I want to fight to make this a place that I, and the people I love, can live safely. FMT and FMF give me an avenue to do that.

Why are you interested in joining the Forward Montana Board?

I’m approaching the end of my first term as a board member and am currently the Vice Chair of the Forward Montana board. I would be honored to continue working with wonderful people who care about the future of the state, and advocating for the most vulnerable in this current economic and political climate. I feel strongly about continuing to work towards a future where there is bodily autonomy, climate justice, housing justice, and equity for all Montanans.

Please describe your board experience (whether being a board member or working closely with a board).

I have 10 years of nonprofit experience as an employee, volunteer, and board member for various nonprofits. I am the Executive Director for a nonprofit in Livingston and serve as the Vice Chair for the FMT board and sit on the finance committee.

What skills, characteristics, experience, or insight do you have that would be a valuable addition to the board?

I have experience in nonprofit communications, development, strategic planning, and management. But more importantly I love to have a good time with likeminded people!!!!

William Schenck

Missoula, MT | Donor Engagement Manager at
ACLU of Montana

What excites you about Forward Montana & Forward Montana Foundation?

Forward Montana isn’t afraid to embed care and creativity into the ways they engage with politics and the communities they serve– so many of the conversations we see around politics are more of the same, reenforcing status quos and what have you, but it’s evident that Forward Montana strives to make political engagement inclusive, expansive… and, dare I say… fun? When we talk about harnessing collective power to create new worlds, so much of that is intertwined with our capacity to imagine, radically— and I think that Forward Montana is committed to imagining, and helping other imagine.

Why are you interested in joining the Forward Montana Board?

Much of why I’m interested joining the Forward Montana Board is reflected in my answer to “What excites me about [the org.],” but I would add a couple things. Firstly, I am somewhat driven by a sense of obligation— I consider the privileges that I’ve enjoyed, for example access to education and gainful employment in the nonprofit sector, and I feel like the thing I “ought to do” to leverage those privileges, is to apply my skills toward where they can do the most good. I believe I could do some of that good through this board appointment, supporting Forward Montana’s sustainability and capacity to empower Montanas to acknowledge and cultivate their unique spheres of influence.

Secondly, I’d just say that I’ve lived in Montana for two years— I moved here to take a development job with the ACLU, where I am still working. The job, and, moreover the connections that I’ve been able to make through the job have been incredibly rewarding. I see this board service as an opportunity to grow the amount and depth of my connections with fellow residents, while exercising different “muscles” than I get to as a fundraiser.

Please describe your board experience (whether being a board member or working closely with a board).

From 2020 to 2022, I worked as a paid Senior Storytelling and Communications at an antiracist policy advocacy nonprofit in my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, called Forward Through Ferguson. From 2022 to present, I’ve been working as a fundraiser at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Montana.

What skills, characteristics, experience, or insight do you have that would be a valuable addition to the board?

I’ve picked up a lot of hard skills in my time in the nonprofit sector— some that may be relevant to this board service include cross-departmental project management, familiarity with budget drafting and fundraising data analysis, fundraising itself, and event planning.

Equally important are the soft skills I’ve gained— I think the most important one I’d like to share about, is the ability to show up to professional environments as the fullest, most authentic version of myself possible, even when it may feel a little uncomfortable. This has allowed me to build relationships with colleagues based on feelings of mutual safety and trust. My work style is marked by organization and attentiveness to detail, frequent and inclusive communication at all stages of a particular project, and a willingness to try new things.

As far as my personal background, my heritage plays a big part of who I am. I’m an American, born to a mother who emigrated here from the Philippines–her late-father was a senator, who sought asylum in the U.S. under threat of assassination by the dictatorship in-power at the time. My father’s side of the family is made up of Jewish immigrants who left Europe between World Wars. I think about these things often, as I reflect on the “team sports”-ness of modern politics. For my family who came before me, “politics” wasn’t some ambiguous concept that they could tap into and out of caring about on a whim. Their lives (and by extension, mine) were drastically shaped by their contemporary leaders and policies. Therefore, I feel that “politics,” whatever that may mean, is an inextricable part of my being.

Beyond this, I’ll share that I grew up in a low-income environment, that my education path has been non-linear, and that I have a history of dealings with the criminal legal system, including multiple arrests for non-violent offenses. I raise these things only to help indicate what different types of perspectives I might be able to speak from.

Faith Scow

Butte, MT | Political Director @ Big Sky 55+

What excites you about Forward Montana & Forward Montana Foundation?

FWMT helped me run a voter registration drive at my high school in 2015. It really jumpstarted my interest in activism. I am excited to see FWMT still doing the great work that helped me get involved when I was young.

Why are you interested in joining the Forward Montana Board?

I feel like I would be a great addition to the board given my experience in the political arena and unique upbringing.

Please describe your board experience (whether being a board member or working closely with a board).

Currently I am employed at a non-profit (Big Sky 55+) where I serve as the political director. I also am a volunteer of many non-profits, most recently knocking doors with the AFL-CIO and collecting signatures for a ballot measure for PPMT.

What skills, characteristics, experience, or insight do you have that would be a valuable addition to the board?

I am organized, thoughtful, and trustworthy. I believe my experiences would bring diversity to the board. I am a first generation college graduate and homeowner. I grew up in a home filled with addiction and learned a lot from growing up in that type of home.

Sarah Tidd*

Bozeman, MT | Vice President of Engineering Excellence at Avalara

What excites you about Forward Montana & Forward Montana Foundation?

I am blown away and energized by this organization and all the critical work that they do to GET OUT THE VOTE, get out the YOUNG vote, educate voters, use litigation to keep this crazy supermajority and greg in check, and of course, advance progressive policy that supports ALL in Montana.

Why are you interested in joining the Forward Montana Board?

I came to the board because I wanted to give back to a cause in which I deeply believe. I’d love to stay for the energy! I am in awe of the mightiness of both the staff and board members. It is palpable. The future of our beautiful state depends on its youth and I look forward to the work that Forward Montana will continue to do to GOTV, create community, lean on those with power to do the right thing, and celebrate diversity. I’d love the chance to help in these endeavors!

Please describe your board experience (whether being a board member or working closely with a board).

I have been on the board of Forward Montana for two years. I was on the board of the Sweet Pea Festival for 5 years. I am grateful for the opportunity to round out my private sector career by volunteering for causes that I believe in.

What skills, characteristics, experience, or insight do you have that would be a valuable addition to the board?

Leadership, HR, hiring, communications, process, efficiency, and coaching. My team at Avalara supports several thousand software engineers to deliver incrementally on Avalara priorities, achieve Avalara KPIs, embrace change through Agile methodologies, routinely optimize through data insights, ensure a mind-nourishing culture of continuous learning, extend team-ability with powerful tooling, maximize value delivery and value capture through minimally sufficient, accessible, easy-to-follow policies and processes, and delight customers by responding to their issues and taking their feedback improve products.

Bozeman Blitz- Issue 1

Posted on by Dara Deines

Have you ever had the experience where you’re listening to someone speak, trying to understand what they’re saying, but once they finish the best you’ve got is a blank stare because you don’t know wtf they just said? That’s kinda what it feels like sitting in on a city commission meeting for the first time. 

Every month I will try to bring you a new, different perspective on the Bozeman city commission and the business happening before it. This month, I want to dive into what the commission does and why it’s important. We’ll look at Bozeman’s “style” of government, resolutions and ordinances that come before the commission, and the scope the commission can cover. 

Strong Mayor v. Weak Mayor

Most people probably have a pretty good grasp on how federal or state governments function. What most people don’t understand (myself included) is how local governments can function. 

There are two common types of government structure for localities, commonly known as a “strong mayor” or “weak mayor.” In a strong mayor system, the mayor has direct administrative authority over the city and its departments, whereas in a weak mayor system, a city manager is appointed and oversees those administrative duties. 

Any guesses on what style of government the city of Bozeman has? (Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?)

Bozeman operates under a weak mayor form of government, meaning there is an appointed city manager. The city manager oversees all of the administrative duties of the city of Bozeman’s government while the mayor acts as a figurehead for the city and as another Commission member. (There is a prize to whoever can send me the names of our commission members and city manager first!)

Bozeman has a five person city commission responsible for conducting city business. Most ordinance proposals or plans that come before the city require a majority vote in order to implement or move forward.. Now you might be asking yourself, WTF is an ordinance??

Resolutions v. Ordinances

When the city commission is in session, they will usually hear plans from developers about upcoming development projects, such as information about the ongoing parking issue, lately there has been a big emphasis on “urban camping.” So how does the city pass meaningful policies that will address these concerns? It usually comes in the form of an ordinance or a resolution. But what is the difference between the two?

You can think of an ordinance as a local law. It’s something that the city commission can pass that is enforced within city limits as long as it follows the rules set by the legislature. For example, the city just passed an ordinance that bans the use and sale of fireworks within city limits (unless you have the proper permit). The city has the authority to do this since no Montana laws prevent cities from passing firework bans. If the legislature was to come back into session and pass a state law that said cities can’t pass firework bans for reason x, y, and z then, the city’s ordinance would be repealed.

Now, a resolution is oftentimes a little more for show than to accomplish a policy goal. It’s more of an expression of the city’s opinion on something to try and encourage specific behavior. This usually happens in circumstances of laws that the city doesn’t have the authority to enforce or oversee. This can generally be politically charged and lately has been used in response to unfriendly laws passed by the state legislature. The city will write, hear, and pass resolutions that condone the laws passed by the legislature since there isn’t anything else they can do about it (other than draw attention to them!) One example is how the city adopted its City for CEDAW resolution last year, showing solidarity and a commitment to eliminating violence against women, girls, and trans folks.

In some instances, resolutions can accomplish policy goals. For example, in Bozeman, when there are annexations or zone map amendments, they are passed via resolutions. In this way, resolutions are also tools to implement city policy, whereas an ordinance creates a new policy (law) or amends an existing one and often includes a mechanism for enforcement.

In some instances, resolutions can accomplish policy goals. For example, in Bozeman, when there are annexations or zone map amendments, they are passed via resolutions. In this way, resolutions are also tools to implement city policy, whereas an ordinance creates a new policy (law) or amends an existing one and often includes a mechanism for enforcement.

Commission Scope 

I’ve already touched on a few things  the commission talks and makes decisions about. But let’s dive a little deeper into it… 

The Bozeman city commission has the authority to create ordinances that are laws within city limits. They oversee developments that are proposed to be built within city limits, and they have the power to annex property into city limits (expanding the size of the city). The city tackles issues affecting residents, like a lack of parking, failing streets, and unaffordable housing. Additionally, in an effort to provide direction to a growing city, Bozeman has developed action plans, including a climate action plan, a growth plan, and community housing action plan. 

The city commission has the ability to better the life of its residents through ordinances but only within the scope that the MT legislature sets. They’ll listen to development plans and manage the city’s growth based on their action plans.

There is more to unpack there, but this is a journey. Let’s start with this for now.

I hope you enjoyed the first edition of the Bozeman Blitz. I’m looking forward to hearing your feedback, diving deeper into your questions, and your ideas and plans for making change in this city. I wrote this with the help of an amazing city commissioner, “say who,” and used my friend, Google, to fill in some gaps.

Till the next time when we’ll be tackling the affordable housing crisis.

All the best,

Greg

What the Helena 2023 Issue 17: Sine Die

Posted on by Dara Deines

Well, we’ve made it. After five long months, a slew of national news headlines, and nearly 800 bills passed, the 68th Montana Legislative Session is finally, blessedly over. So what comes next? 

First, we rest. Then, we continue– with municipal elections this fall, communities to build back up, and rulemaking processes that will determine how these 788 new laws are implemented, there’s a long road ahead of us. We hope you’ll join us.

For this week’s wrap-up edition of What the Helena, we decided to focus less on the nuts and bolts of policy change (although that’s in here, too) and more on our advocacy team’s experience watching the legislative session unfold. In a system that can feel so dehumanizing, it feels more important than ever to bring everything back to what ought to matter most: the people of Montana. So, here it is: sine die!

Queer & Trans Rights

I came into this session knowing very little about how the legislature works, and with, admittedly, very little faith in the legislature’s ability to enact much positive change for people in Montana.  I think I only vaguely knew that these people were actively making the laws, and I had this idea that bills proposed were written by experts.  I was baffled by the hilarious amount of ineptitude present in that building, as well as the amount of bills that seemed very clearly motivated by personal beefs and beliefs.  It was kind of shocking to continuously witness lawmakers demonstrate their willful ignorance, disregard for truth, and lack of interest in actually reading the bills that they sponsor. 

I came into this session fearing that it would make me jaded and bitter about organizing, that I would end the session feeling spent and confused.  There were certainly months where the transphobic rhetoric and unwillingness to recognize the humanity of trans people brought me to unprecedented levels of depression and despair, and I have become even more firm in my belief that the state will not, and cannot, liberate us. The system isn’t broken – it is a vice, a mechanism of control that is tightened by fear.  All six of the anti-trans & queer bills that we tracked diligently throughout this session have passed through both chambers, and SB 99, the bill banning gender-affirming care for minors, has been signed into law.  Lawmakers have ignored the pleas of the queer community and the testimony of medical experts in order to define intersex and transgender people out of law (SB 458), allow medical providers to discriminate on the basis of “ethics” (HB 303), allow students to bully their trans peers (HB 361), and characterize drag as inherently sexual and inappropriate for minors (HB 359).  We’re gonna take HB 234 as a win, because even though it did pass, the amended version has been defanged and can no longer be construed to automatically ban queer content from schools.  But still, the vice tightens on the queer and trans community. 

To me, the passage of these bills demonstrates the fear that these legislators hold, not just of trans people, but what we represent. What power do we hold that is so threatening to them?  The vice tightens but we are liquid, we shapeshift, we are expert escapologists – no matter how hard they try, they cannot crush us out of existence. We are creating worlds where colonial constructs, capitalist greed, white supremacy, and an angry god do not dictate law; we are creating worlds where the bases of their power are null – and that scares the SHIT out of the Regiers of this world.

It makes sense – I’m scared too. Sometimes the vice feels like a cradle, but it is still a vice, and my brown, trans body lusts for a new world. These last two weeks have made it clear that now is the time to transform.  Witnessing the trust, love, and sheer numbers of the queer and trans community has lifted me to a place I did not know existed. I have been revitalized by the sheer power of community, by the magic that trans and queer people hold, and I am ready to do what must be done. The portal has opened, this world is just starting her transition and we are ready to support her the whole way.  

Chloe Runs Behind (they/them), Issue Advocacy Organizer

Climate Justice

I have often said during this session that I came into it with a 5th grade level understanding of how the legislative process works; vaguely knew some of how bills become laws, knew that we elected folks to do something in relation to the bills, but that’s about it. When I learned Montana has a citizen legislature, I found some of my general political cynicism fading a bit; after all, if most of them are everyday Montanans, surely they’ll be better at listening to the rest of us, even with the ominous label of “supermajority” hanging over things, right?

Wrong, so very wrong. I will say, there were some amazing heroes along the way, trying their best to get legislation through that actually addressed the real concerns Montanans face: inflation in everything except wages, climate crises, housing insecurity, access to healthcare, supporting basic human rights, and more. 

However, the vast majority of legislators showed time and again that they were not listening, instead focusing on their own agendas and ignoring their constituents. So many folks showed up in opposition to the bills that attack climate justice and our rights to clean air and water, including HB 170, HB 971, SB 208, and SB 228. From repealing Montana’s energy policy and attacking a court decision that tries to make projects consider climate impacts, to banning the ability of local control over both limiting energy choices and the location of oil and petroleum plants, and more. 

This was so disheartening, to watch over and over again as they continually ignored both protocol and everyday Montanans in favor of big businesses or hateful out-of-state agendas. But y’all, we SHOWED UP ANYWAY – Working together with our neighbors towards the things that matter, as corny as that sounds, is what will make the difference towards creating change for our collective good.  In doing this work with everyday Montanans, y’all have taught me so much about community and how at the end of the day we need to take care of each other in the face of all this BS. We can do this together.

-Kat Elam, Billings Issue Advocacy Organizer

Democracy

It’s challenging to stay positive about the state of democracy in Montana after this year’s session, but for old time’s sake we should remember everything that happened over the last few months. At least in terms of legislation, things didn’t go that bad this session for democracy? The Governor signed SB 77, a really important bill that ends prison gerrymandering in Montana by counting inmates where their last address was rather than inflating the population of the towns they’re incarcerated. However, the heavily gerrymandered, Republican-tilted Public Service Commission map was also enacted when SB 109 was passed. SB 93is also a crummy limitation on the right of citizens to directly participate in democracy by passing ballot initiatives, as it requires a $3,700 fee to get one on the ballot and allows the Secretary of State or Attorney General to reject the initiative before it even makes its way before voters.

But, compare this to all of the anti-democracy bills that didn’t get passed! Bills that would restrict Montanans’ freedom to vote for whomever they want in primaries (SB 484, SB 565, and SB 566), make our judiciary partisan or outright eliminate court elections (HB 464, HB 595, HB 915, SB 302, SB 311, SB 372), eliminate other nonpartisan elections (SB 200, SB 317), or otherwise overcomplicate election procedures (SB 433, SB 435, SB 441).

While celebrating all of these huge pro-democracy victories is certainly in order, the flagrant violations of constitutional principles in the name of decorum is a disheartening attack on democracy. Montanans have the inalienable right to defend our lives and liberties, and our government is derived from the power of the people. Yet, the Republican supermajority has continually shown that they do not care that our state was so conceived and so dedicated. Expelling a duly elected member for utilizing an apparently insulting rhetorical device and depriving 11,000 Montanans from having a voice in Helena is blatantly discriminatory and should be offensive to anyone who cares about democracy. But it doesn’t stop there – Republicans have scheduled bills to prevent public participation in the legislative process (see the rushing of HB 971 through the Legislature with two weeks left in the session for proof of this), closed off the People’s House to the public, and clamped down on press freedom. 

In light of this, I’m left conflicted about how to feel going forward. On the one hand, I think putting my hopes in the two-party system to pull our state out of this tailspin is wishful thinking. Yet, we still have a great task remaining before us – to shape Montana into a place we want it to be. We showed up throughout the legislative session and made our voices heard, but I choose to remain cautiously optimistic that all this work and effort was not in vain. We did get some wins, after all! I truly believe that we all have the capability to contribute towards a brighter future for this state, and I hope you feel the same.

Zach Mangels (he/him), Legislative Fellow

Affordable Housing

Working on housing this session was a massive lesson in sitting with contradiction. Landlords passed bills to further tip the scales in their own favor (like HB 282 and HB 283), legislation to help bolster tenants’ rights (HB 785) and invest in affordable housing (HB 574) floundered, and Montana took huge strides forward in putting an end to racist, classist zoning policies that have bogged down our cities for decades (SB 323, SB 245, SB 382). All of this is true. 

As an effect of my excitement about zoning reforms that could have huge impacts on Montanans’ ability to live and thrive in this state, I often found myself testifying and lobbying in support of bills sponsored by Republican legislators who do not think that I, a trans person, should have the right to exist. 

One of the most exciting zoning bills of the session, SB 323, requires municipalities of more than 5,000 people to allow duplexes anywhere a single-family home can be built (extending to fourplexes in cities larger than 50,000 people). An extremely similar bill died last session when sponsored by Democrat Danny Tenenbaum, but sailed through with bipartisan support this session under Republican Senator Jeremy Trebas’s wing. Over the last several months (and increasingly toward the end of the session), Trebas has spent his free time bullying, misgendering, and harassing my friends and my legislator on the internet. 

It can be hard to focus on something like wonky zoning policy when the state is actively trying to eliminate people like you from society, but the session always asks us to do hard things. I feel excited about the zoning reform policies we were able to help usher through the legislature, and proud of the rooms I was able to get into. Montana has become a national leader on statewide zoning reform, and I’m hopeful that these new policies will help our cities meet the moment and take steps to resolve our state’s ongoing housing crisis. 

However, I also understand now more than ever that our current political system does not allow for us to approach this work in our full humanity. It asks us to choose between our personal truths and our political goals. It forces us to leave ourselves at the door, to equivocate, to cater to the norms and structures of white supremacy, capitalism, colonialism. But I also understand more than ever that as young people, as queer people, as trans people, my community has a unique ability to see the world for what it could be– to recognize that the future doesn’t have to look like the present. And this community has only gotten stronger, more powerful, and more connected over the last five months. I have a lot of hope for the future of Montana; I hope you’ll stick around for the ride. 

–Izzy Milch (they/them), Senior Advocacy Manager

What the Helena 2023 Issue #15

Posted on by Dara Deines

Well friends, we’re limping along and almost to the finish line of this very brutal legislative session! Through all the good news and bad, we’re grateful for you – your participation, questions, thoughts, ideas, and general existence bring us such joy. This week has been quite the doozy, but so many folks have shown up in so many ways, giving us those little heart-warming feels to help us keep going. Remember to take care of yourself, so we can continue taking care of each other ♥️ 

Calls to Action:
???? Veto Edition ???? 

We’ve officially reached the point in the legislative session where plenty of bills we’ve been watching have passed through the legislature and are now awaiting Governor Gianforte’s signature. You know what that means? A new phone number to call! Here are just a few of the no-good bills currently waiting to be signed into law. Ask the Governor to veto these bills by calling 406-444-3111 or filling out this form.

HB361

Sponsor: Brandon Ler

Summary: HB361 would make schools unable to discipline a student for misgendering or deadnaming another student. 

HB303

Sponsor: Amy Regier

Summary: HB 303 would allow any medical provider to deny care to any person for moral, religious, or conscience-related reasons.

HB 170

Sponsor: Steve Gunderson

Summary: HB 170 would completely repeal the state’s energy policy and goals, as well as the process for developing new goals.

SB 228

Sponsor: Jason Small

Summary: SB 228 would bar local governments from banning petroleum fuels.

“With Pride and Determination”

If you’ve been following the news this week, you already know that the Montana Freedom Caucus, Rep. Matt Regier, and essentially the entire Republican party have been doing everything they can to prevent Rep. Zooey Zephyr from speaking on the House floor. 

It all hit a boiling point after Rep. Zephyr closed her statement on SB 99, the gender affirming care ban, by saying “I hope the next time there’s an invocation, when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands.”

Now, Rep. Regier, who serves as the Speaker of the House, has indicated that he will not let Rep. Zephyr speak until she apologizes for speaking the truth about the impacts of these policies. She, in return, has indicated that she has no intention of doing so. You can read her statements in response to all of this on her Twitter. 

Let’s be clear: Rep. Zephyr is much more than the first trans woman in the Montana legislature, although that identity is certainly central to her censorship. She is also a fierce advocate for renters, a staunchly principled politician, and a thoughtful, kind person. She represents 11,000 Montanans whose voice in the House is now being denied to them. We won’t mince words: this is a fascist tactic to silence the voice of a duly elected representative, as well as the voters who sent her to Helena. 

Rep. Zephyr has made it clear that she will continue to advocate for trans Montanans and all of her constituents “with pride and determination.” We are behind her all the way. If you’re itching to give the people behind this censorship a piece of your mind, give Rep. Matt Regier, Speaker of the House, a call at 406-253-3293. 

Ch-ch-changes!

Even with just a couple weeks left in the session, there continue to be surprises around every corner. Remember HB 234, the bill that would ban “obscene” materials from schoolsand HB 359, the bill that would censor drag (and also just threaten the very existence of trans and GNC people)? Well, both of these bills have undergone some major makeovers in the Senate thanks to Sen. Dan Salomon and Sen. Chris Friedel, respectively.  

It seems like some folks have realized that criminalizing teachers for doing their jobs is actually a terrible idea, and the amended HB 234 removes schools, libraries, and museums from the section of criminal code that the original bill tried to twist against these institutions. Now the main purpose of this bill is to allow school districts to adopt ordinances, resolutions, or policies that are more restrictive than the definition of obscenity, which at least brings control back to local school districts. You can read the amended bill here!

HB 359, titled, “Prohibit minors from attending drag shows”, no longer contains the word “drag” in the text at all, and instead focuses on prohibiting minors from attending “adult-oriented shows” or entering “adult oriented businesses,” (things that minors are already not permitted to do) and defining what those two terms mean.  You can read this new version here!

Both of these amended bills have passed in the Senate, which means that they must now go back to the House to be voted on again. If one or both of these bills as amended are voted down in the House, it’ll go to a conference committee made up of House and Senate members. This committee will work to reconcile the differences between the bill that originally passed in the House and the amended bill that made it back to that chamber.  

Hero of the Week-

Sen. Ryan Lynch (D) Butte

Our hero, Sen. Ryan Lynch of Butte, has played a major role in securing some key pieces of legislation to reform our state’s criminal justice system! This week, the legislature debated Lynch’s SB 89, which creates a pretrial diversion pilot program as an alternative to unnecessarily incarcerating individuals with substance abuse disorders who have been charged with non-violent drug offenses. These interventions help to turn around mass incarceration by increasing the availability of treatment options, and are effective at reducing recidivism. 

Sen. Lynch also sponsored SB 166, which exempts barber services in correctional facilities from licensing requirements. Like Rep. Frazer’s dog training bill from last week, SB 166 recognizes the humanity of incarcerated people and is a step toward ensuring a better quality of life for Montanans in correctional facilities. Since the beginning of the session, when Sen. Lynch sponsored a (now-tabled) bill to decriminalize fentanyl testing strips, he has shown a staunch commitment to reducing harm and reforming inhumane systems. It can’t get much more heroic than that!

Villain of the Week-
Rep. Josh Kassmier (R) Fort Benton 

Our villain this week is Rep. Josh Kassmier of Fort Benton for sponsoring a frustrating and backwards bill under very shady circumstances.HB 971 undermines the protections of the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). It would allow state Department of Environmental Quality projects, which are required to get permitting through MEPA for air pollution, mining, and more, to forgo those rules entirely if the Montana Supreme Court requires them to consider projects’ climate change impacts on our Constitutional right to clean air and water.  Bizarre, right?!

This bill is clearly intended to benefit one monopoly corporation (*cough, cough* NorthWestern Energy *cough, cough*), and to circumvent one court ruling from this month that revoked NWE’s permit to construct a new gas plant in Laurel. 

Additionally, the process by which this bill was introduced and scheduled far past the deadline was deeply anti-democratic: suspending the rules, crunching the timeline, and giving very little notice for concerned constituents to come and state their opposition. Par for the course of this session, it’s clear that many of our representatives are prioritizing further reliance on fossil fuels that will come at great physical, financial, and environmental cost to Montanans, and like salting a wound, they are breaking all the rules to do it. 

Rep. Kassmier, none of this is what the people of Montana sent you here to do. However, despite the last-minute scheduling of the hearing, y’all stepped up to declare your opposition: in total, 572 opponents either signed up to testify or sent in public comment!  The bill did pass through the committee and is on track to coast through the House, so now it’s time to let your Senator know how you feel about your right to clean air and water: tell them to vote NO on HB 971!

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