Government should put Montanans first

With the election and the next legislative session upon us, Montanans have a right to know where Democrats stand and how we will work with families and small businesses to create a better, stronger future for our children.

Montana Democrats believe that our state government should put Montanans first, making sure they have a fair shake and the chance to create opportunity for their families. 

Unfortunately, under Republican state government residential property taxes have skyrocketed; housing costs are among the worst in the country; our freedoms are under attack; Montanans are losing their health care; and our public schools have recklessly been put at risk. 

We can and must do better. Prioritizing the well-being of working families and retirees is our highest priority. Together, Montana Democrats will work with citizens to build a better future. 

Fair property taxes: Under Republicans, Montanans, including our Main Street businesses, saw property taxes go up while those of large corporations went down. Our plan provides long-term tax relief by cutting property taxes for low- and middle-income Montanans while protecting working folks and retirees from future property tax hikes. Going forward we will ensure that millionaires and major corporations pay their fair share. 

Affordable housing: The folks who do the work for Montana — the welders, truckers, teachers and others — should be able to buy or rent housing in Montana. We must increase the supply of affordable housing by expanding proven programs like the Coal Trust Multifamily Homes Program that have a good track record serving our communities. 

Protecting our freedom: Few things are more important to Montanans than protecting our freedoms and privacy. Unfortunately, the Republican Legislature and governor repeatedly tried to limit women’s health care decisions. Women, not the government, should make decisions about their health care and their families. 

Health care for working Montanans: In 2015, Montana broadened Medicaid health coverage as did some 40 other states. This bipartisan policy has been a resounding success, helping working Montanans stay healthy, benefitting the small businesses that employ them, and sustaining our rural health care system. It’s common sense that we renew the program while implementing reforms so that it works even better and improves its return for the taxpayers. 

Good schools in every community: Generations of Montanans understood that a strong public education system benefits our children, families and future. Unfortunately, the Republican legislature has promoted private school tax credits that drain needed funds from public schools at a time when we are facing low teacher pay, vacancies and budget shortfalls.  

Every child deserves an effective teacher in the classroom and a safe school. Our teacher salaries are among the lowest in the country and we must address the teacher shortage and budget crisis head on to improve public schools. 

Putting Montanans first: Our government should always put Montanans first and our citizens deserve a government that is fair, works for them and gives them an opportunity to get ahead in life. I’m proud of the Democratic legislative agenda. It’s focused where it should be — on helping Montanans thrive. 

Sen. Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, and Rep. Kim Abbott, D-Helena, are the Democratic leaders in the Montana Legislature.