Montana lawmakers must remember that leaders eat last
Over several decades spent working through the tiers of employment, this basic tenet emerged when watching the best in action – leaders eat last. It’s a premise that has served many admirable trailblazers well and one we in the Legislature would be wise to remember as we work to balance the budget.
Among the prominent issues addressed this past week was House Bill 13, a measure revising state employee compensation. The proposed changes in HB 13 include an $1 per hour increase for state employees and improvement to group benefits for state employees — necessary investments in retaining professionals in critical fields such as law enforcement, education and public health. However, legislative pay included in the bill sparked debate among conservatives. An admirable effort to reduce the increase for legislators ultimately failed, raising questions about fiscal responsibility.
Supporting HB 13 was important to ensure state employees’ wages reflect inflationary increases and their dedication to our state. However, to align with statements and a vote made on the House floor to amend down legislator pay, my 2025 legislative salary is being pledged to the Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force Fund. This fund, advancing through a separate bill, will address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people, particularly women, on Montana’s reservations. Leaders should eat last and addressing our shortfalls in salaries for law enforcement and educators should come long before the legislature votes itself a raise.
Locally, Flathead County continues to face the devastating impacts of impaired driving, which has claimed numerous lives over the past year. Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, this week introduced Bobby’s Law, named for Bobby Dewbre, a young man killed by a drunk driver in 2023. The legislation creates the crime of aggravated vehicular homicide while under the influence, targeting drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16 or higher who cause fatal accidents.
Under Bobby’s Law, offenders could face three to 30 years in prison, fines of $10,000 to $50,000, and no option for deferred sentences. Bobby’s mother, Beth McBride, has championed the measure. In addition to Bobby’s Law, Rep. Steve Kelly, a former law enforcement officer, is expected to bring forward additional DUI reforms this session, addressing an issue critical to the Flathead Valley.
Another topic resonating strongly in House District 7, The Heart of Kalispell, is the Convention of States; hundreds of residents have voiced their support for this effort. This proposed constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution seeks to address concerns over federal overreach, unchecked spending and career politicians. Many residents of Kalispell view it as an important step to restore balance in Washington, D.C.
Unfortunately, the bill failed to advance, voted down this week in House Business and Labor by a coalition of Republicans and Democrats. Opponents raised concerns about a potential runaway convention, though safeguards require states to agree on specific topics with strict sideboards ensuring accountability. Without efforts like these, it is hard to imagine Congress reining in spending, mounting debt and career politicians.
Last, on Jan. 30, the House Judiciary Committee will hear my bill, “Fatherhood Begins at Conception,” which has merited strong support from the Flathead Republican delegation. This legislation structures child support payments to begin at conception, as determined by a licensed medical provider. If contested, paternity must first be confirmed, with payments made retroactive to the month of conception. The bill promotes shared fairness and financial responsibility of both parents, starting at the earliest stages of life. As a member of the pro-life community, this is an important, practical step toward supporting mothers who wish to choose life.
Hearing from constituents about the issues that impact daily life — whether it’s concerns over impaired driving, the need for fiscal responsibility or supporting families — helps guide decisions in Helena. Gratitude goes to Reps. Mitchell and Kelly for their leadership on DUI reform and to the countless individuals who work tirelessly to make Montana stronger. Your voices and contributions remain at the heart of every decision made this session. What matters to you, matters to me.
Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell.