Legislator Takes Advantage of ARPA Business Loans
Significant federal funds flowed into Montana—and all other states—during the COVID-19 pandemic under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), with much of the funding aimed at stabilizing businesses during forced closures and worker shortages. A recent deep dive into those programs exposed some surprising and disturbing information—information that demands broader public awareness. One of those programs was the Down Payment Assistance Loan […]
Sen. Daines Withdraws from Reelection Bid
Last week, Montana’s US Senator Steve Daines, Republican, surprised everyone in political circles with the announcement, just minutes before filing closed, that he was withdrawing from his re-election bid. Almost in the same moment, Republican US Attorney, Kurt Alme, filed as a candidate. Sen. Daines’ withdrawal was a surprise because in serving his second term […]
Flint Joins Candidates Vying for US House After US Rep. Zinke Announces Not to Run
With Montana Republican US Rep. Ryan Zinke’s announcement early Monday morning that he will not seek re-election for Western District 1, due to health concerns, by day’s end two well-known Montana Republicans announced their candidacy for the Primary on June 2. And, then on Tuesday another announced. The candidate most well-known in Yellowstone County is […]
Misrepresenting an Uncertain Position
Bashful U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Montana, expects the Montana media to be guilty of “misrepresenting” his position on birthright citizenship and “gaslighting their readers, as they usually do.” It would be hard to misrepresent his position, since nothing in his Feb. 15 opinion piece in the Billings Gazette explains exactly what his position is. He […]
Let’s Make Some Sense of Montana’s Budget
Dear Editor, Let’s Make some Sense of Montana’s Budget You no doubt have heard claims that Montana’s budget grew by great amounts and then have also heard that the budget grew by a really tiny percentage- I’m going to try and put a little context to these claims. First of all, you have heard that […]
During the legislative session, the Montana state GOP called out 9 “Republican” senators
Dear Editor, During the legislative session, the Montana state GOP called out 9 “Republican” senators deemed the Nasty Nine and rightfully stated they are not recognized by the Republican Party based on their voting records that supported the liberal agenda. The Nine included Senator Shelly Vance and Wendy McKamey, both from conservative senate districts. When […]
The Most Frequent Question I get From Montana Voters
Dear Editor, The most frequent question I get from Montana voters since the last legislative session has been, “Republicans have the majority in the legislature; so how on earth did multiple liberal ideas pass?” That is a legitimate and frustrating question. Much has been said in the recent past about political party bosses and control, but that is just a deflection […]
OP ED – How dare you!
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recently laid bare a perspective about the business world and about achievement in general, which is probably a common one, but seldom stated so explicitly. It is a perspective that explains a lot. Schumer proclaimed that his view of business people is: “I made my money all by myself. How […]
Just saying ….
It must be said. People losing jobs — as many federal government employees are– is a difficult and very bad turn of events for the individuals involved — no matter who you are or for what entity you were working. It is not a new kind of malady. OK, maybe it is for government, but […]
Yellowstone County State Senator Elected Future President of the National Conference of State Legislatures
Montana Senate Republicans announced in a post on X the morning of Wednesday, August 7th that State Senator Barry Usher of Yellowstone County has been elected to serve as Vice President of the National Conference of State Legislatures, which also means he will assume to role of President starting in 2026. The NCSL is a […]