Valley Views

valley views Early legislative wins: hunting, huckleberries, veterans, accountability

What do hunting, huckleberries, honoring our veterans, and accountability for taxpayer money have in common? Two things. The first is that they’re all strongly supported by Montanans. The second is that we’re already well on our way to putting big wins on the board this legislative session that involve all of them.

Let’s start with hunting. We recently had the first hearing on a bill that will double the annual cap on money that private landowners can receive for allowing public hunters onto their properties via the Block Management Program. Senate Bill 58 will sustain and improve hunters’ access to many prime hunting grounds located on private property while benefiting landowners who participate in block management. The bill is a win for taxpayers because block management is funded by hunters, not general taxpayers. It’s also a win for conservation because it allows the state to more effectively manage our wildlife. SB 58 drew universal support in its first committee hearing.

When it comes to accountability for taxpayer money, a bill has been introduced to strengthen the position of auditors in examining our state government’s operations and expenditures. No entity does more to expose and correct waste, fraud, and abuse in Montana’s government than the Legislative Audit Division. Senate Bill 73 ensures elected officials and senior-level bureaucrats will cooperate with auditors by putting criminal penalties in place if they obstruct or unduly delay auditors’ access to needed information.

Over on the House side of the Legislature is where veterans and huckleberries come in. The House recently advanced a bill to create a veterans cemetery in Columbia Falls that will be open to the closest nine counties in the region, honoring those who’ve served our country with a dedicated final resting place. The vote to advance House Bill 81 was unanimous.

Finally, huckleberries. Since 2007 there has been a government regulation in place that says people are supposed to report the locations of their huckleberry patches. Unsurprisingly, no one has done that. It’s an unused and unnecessary regulation, and getting rid of it is part of the Governor and Legislature’s Red Tape Relief initiative. House Bill 94 is the “huckleberry freedom bill” repealing that regulation and it has had its first hearing in the House.

Besides being strongly supported by Montanans and receiving attention early in the legislative session, these four topics also have one more thing in common: all the bills are sponsored by Republican lawmakers. Sen. Steve Hinebauch, R-Wibaux, is sponsoring the block management bill. Sen. Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, is the sponsor of the audit bill. Representatives Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, and Paul Green, R-Hardin, are the sponsors of the veterans cemetery and huckleberry bills, respectively.

As two of the Majority Whips serving in the Senate, we’re happy to report that Republicans are putting diverse, early wins on the board for Montanans this legislative session.

Legislative Notes Sen. Steve Hinebauch Sen. Tom McGillvray

Focus on the real issues

Affordable housing shortages. Rising food and childcare costs. Protecting our state constitution. There are a number of pressing issues facing Montanans that our representatives could (and should) be addressing during the 68th Legislative Session, issues that we elected them to handle. Instead, we’re looking at a repeat of 2021 — when extremist lawmakers abused their positions of power and passed laws to insert government into our most personal and private decisions.

As it stands, there are more than 40 proposed bills pertaining to reproductive rights and the vast majority of those focus on barring access to care outright or otherwise threatening our right to safe, legal abortion. One draft, LC 771 by Rep. Lee Deming (R-Laurel), goes as far as proposing a total ban on abortion with no true exceptions, even for survivors of rape or incest. And what we know, both from 2021 legislation here in Montana and proposed policies in other states, is that attacks like these don’t stop at criminalizing abortion but also target contraception, in vitro fertilization, and gender-affirming care.

No doubt about it, the months ahead will be difficult as Montanans watch legislators try to chisel away at our constitutionally protected right to privacy. But as activists, leaders, and supporters of the reproductive rights movement in Montana, we are not deterred.

Our community is united against attacks on our bodily autonomy, sexual and reproductive health, and personal medical decisions. Over the course of the session and beyond we will be pushing back on harmful bills and backward politics — and pushing ahead on opportunities to ensure equitable access to the full spectrum of sexual and reproductive health care. Elected officials can expect to hear from Montanans across the state as we remind them that they work on behalf of their constituents, not extremist out-

Valley Views MT Reproductive Rights Groups

see page 11

Tom McGillvray is a Republican senator from Billings and is the sponsor of SB 73. Steve Hinebauch is a Republican senator from Wibaux and is the sponsor of SB 58.

LETTER POLICY

Letters to the editor are welcome. The content is the opinion of the letter writer and not the newspaper. The decision to publish letters is made by the editor.

Letters must be 350 words or less. A writer will only be published twice per month.

Letters may be edited for content or length, or may not be published if considered libelous, in poor taste, spiteful, self-promotional or of limited interest to the general readership. Space limitations also dictate when or if letters are published.

Letters must be signed by the author and name, address and phone number must be included – phone number is for verification purposes only. Letters from organizations must include the name of at least one author.

Please limit “thank you” letters to four people/organizations or less. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday to publish the following week.

Opinions expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the newspaper.

letters

Read the bills

Editor,

A recent public relations piece from the ever-ready opportunist Senator Tester announced he introduced legislation to strengthen the border. I want to point out to Senator Tester and his constituents he just voted for the massive Omnibus Bill that set spending records. In that Bill, on Page 753, the Department of Homeland Security DHS $1.9 billion for ‘border management.’ Then two paragraphs down, it says they are explicitly prohibited from using it for border security. Perhaps Senator Tester should read and study the Bills he is signing, whether Obamacare or the 4,155page Omnibus Bill. Big Jon never met a problem he couldn’t solve with ‘we the peoples’ money and then bragged about it.

Ed Kugler Big Arm

Choose love

Editor,

Our present lives as humans on earth are filled with increasing chaos, confusion, and the development of advanced methods of killing each other. This can surely threaten our continuing human existence on planet earth. There is a clear and empowering answer to all this. It involves the ‘power of the mind.’

We humans have been gifted with minds. Our minds are not a part of our body. Minds transcend the body. The mind involves our thought system. As humans we have choices in what motivates our thinking. Many humans choose negative thoughts and fear. Many humans choose positive thoughts and love.

It seems that our world needs more public expressions of our spiritually based thought system involving trust, joy, forgiveness, peace, and love. Activating this thought system requires personal choice. This involves dedicated practice of inner listening and following the guidance.

As I think about our present lives, Jesus comes to mind. In human body and beyond, he is a perfect example of one who chose to practice and demonstrate the power of God’s Love within each of us.

Bob McClellan Missoula

focus

from page 10

of-state organizations pushing model legislation. We won’t stand idly by while our rights are put on the chopping block for the sake of cheap political points. We will be there every step of the way to remind legislators, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), and the Governor’s office that Montanans deserve and demand access to quality health care, including sexual and reproductive care. We must be able to make our most private medical decisions without their interference.

Montanans face a number of challenges in this new year. Access to quality care for our reproductive and sexual health should not be one of them. We urge Montanans to stay plugged in to what happens in Helena over these next few months, and to make a habit of calling their legislators about defeating dangerous anti-abortion bills while supporting those that uphold and expand our rights.

Signed,

ACLU of Montana

All Families Healthcare

Blue Mountain Clinic

Bridgercare

Crescent Montana

Hillary-Anne Crosby

Montana Human Rights Network

Montana NOW

Montana Racial Equity Project

Montanans for Choice

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana

Reproductive Health Access Project - Montana Chapter

Susan Wicklund Fund

UM Gender Equity Resource Center

vj

We’ve gotLOVEfor ya!

Shop the January / February CUSTOMER APPRECIATION SALE

Bring in any Maverick receipt for 35% OFF STOREWIDE

*Sale good through January & February 2023

THE MAVERICK

M E N ’ S T H R E A D S & G I F T S

Montana man arraigned on charges for actions during Jan. 6 capitol breach

Defendant Was Captured on Surveillance Cameras Inside the Capitol Building

News from the U.S. Attorney’s Office

WASHINGTON — A Montana man was arraigned on Jan. 12 on misdemeanor charges, including disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Patrick William O’Brien, 54, of Great Falls, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. He was arrested on Jan. 5, 2023, in Great Falls and had an initial appearance in the District of Montana. The arraignment was held by videoconference.

According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, O’Brien and his juvenile son were at the U.S. Capitol building after driving for three days from Montana. A review of open-source video footage and closed-circuit video (CCTV) footage from the U.S. Capitol building revealed that O’Brien and his son were inside of the building on that date for approximately 28 minutes. Specifically, the footage showed that O’Brien and his son entered the west side of the U.S. Capitol building through the first floor Senate Wing Door. The footage showed them entering the U.S. Capitol Rotunda from the south and waving a yellow “Gadsden” flag. Additional video and photos show O’Brien walking through the hallways of the Capitol building.

This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Salt Lake City Division-Great Falls Resident Agency and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

In the two years since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 950 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including 284 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program winds down in anticipation of diminished federal funding

News from the MT Department of Commerce

HELENA – The Montana Department of Commerce announced on Jan. 13 that the Montana Emergency Rental Assistance (MERA) program will stop accepting new applications on Jan. 20 at 11:59 p.m. Agency officials said this decision was made in anticipation of limited federal funding.

“The MERA program has been instrumental for ensuring people in our state have housing security. Over the past two years, we have provided more than 12,000 Montana households with rent and utility assistance,” said Montana Department of Commerce Director Scott Osterman. “In anticipation of reaching the limits of federal funding for the program, we project that MERA assistance funding will be fully expended this spring. We will implement a freeze in new applications beginning Jan. 20, in order to continue serving Montanans currently in the program or those who have already applied.”

The policy changes are as follows: - No new applications will be accepted after 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 20; any applications received after Jan. 13 will be processed subject to available funds. This change only impacts households which have never received MERA funding. - MERA will continue to support households already staying in hotels or motels; however, the length of stay is capped at three months and the funding is limited to $1,200 per month for stays approved on or after Jan. 14. - Applications that have already been submitted will be reviewed to determine household eligibility for the program; eligible individuals who are currently enrolled in the program will continue to be funded. The pause only affects individuals who have not applied for MERA prior to 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 20.

“Pausing new applications now will allow us to take a proactive approach so we can evaluate the best use of the remaining funds, make sure individuals currently accessing the funds have time to prepare for the inevitable end of the program, and possibly extend the program for Montanans who are most in need of the assistance,” said Commerce’s ARPA Housing Program Executive, Melissa Higgins.

The MERA program has provided thousands of eligible Montanans with financial support to help pay future and past due rent, and future utilities, including gas, electric, and internet. Since the beginning of the MERA1 and MERA2 programs, more than 12,000 Montana households received assistance with more than $109 million of total funding awarded.

The MERA program is funded through the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program via the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (MERA1) and was expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act later that year (MERA2). Funding for MERA1 expired on Sept. 30. Funding for MERA2 does not expire until 2025; however, due to high demand, more than half of the country’s emergency rental programs are on hold, and nearly one-quarter of them are already depleted.

The federal allocation for MERA2 was divided into three segments: The first segment Montana received was $60.8 million. In December 2022, the program met the requirements to request a second segment of more than $34.4 million, for a total to date of $95.2 million. Recently, the U.S. Department of Treasury informed the MERA program that if the additional requirements are met, the segment three allocation will be no more than $10.2 million available for Montana.

For more information, visit: housing.mt.gov

Polson School District Adult Education 2023

Classes run from January 30-March 24

Interested participants can contact instructors directly or contact: Matt Holmes at mholmes@polson.k12.mt.us

Wood Shop

Students will have access to the shop and tools to work on projects of their choice. Students are responsible for their own materials and plans. Instructors will be available to assist students with plans, project construction, and safe operation of tools/equipment. Instructor: Jay Sampson Contact: jsampson@polson.k12.mt.us (883.6351 ext 221) Fee: $30 plus materials. Dates: Tuesday January 31-March 21 Time: 5:30-7:30pm Location: Polson High School Wood Shop Room 214

Buff Babes

This is a 50 minute female-only circuit training fitness class. The class includes using weights, TRX straps, bands, balance, and bodyweight exercises to achieve a total body workout. All fitness levels are encouraged to attend. Please bring: clean shoes, yoga mat, water bottle, and comfortable workout clothing. Instructor: Deanna McElwee/NASM Certified Personal Trainer Contact: dmcelwee@polson.k12.mt.us Fee: NO FEE Dates: Monday/ Wednesday January 30-March 22 Time: 5:30-6:20am Location: Polson High School Weight Room

Beginning Spanish

This is a beginning level Spanish language class. This course teaches basic language patterns and vocabulary. The instructor will give you the essential knowledge that you can apply immediately to your everyday life. Instructor: Guadalupe Carrillo Robles Contact: gcarrillorobles@polson.k12.mt.us Fee: $20 Dates: Tuesday and Thursday January 31-March 23 Times: 5:30-6:30 pm Location: Polson High School Room 213

Line Dancing

Line dancing for everyone! No experience necessary. This class is perfect for beginners to advanced dancers and no partner is needed. Let loose and boogie down to a wide variety of music. Line dancing is also a great workout – get those steps in and have a blast doing it! Come join in the fun and learn many motivating line dance routines. Instructor: Hazle Heth Contact Information: bazle@live.com / 406-5293452 Fee: $20.00 Dates: Tuesdays January 31-March 21 Time: 6-7pm Location: P.H.S. Cafeteria

Joy of Knitting

Join this fun class as we will learn the following: History of knitting in the U.S. How to cast on a project. The basic knit and pearl stitch. How to read patterns. How to increase and decrease stitches. The basic cable stitch. How to knit on different types of needles (straight, double pointed, circular), and how to finish a project! We will begin with a scarf. You do not need any prior experience, just a smile and willingness to learn! When you finish your scarf I can help you move onto another project! We will supply one set of knitting needles to get you started. Instructor: Christine Ayers Contact Information: cayers@polson.k12.mt.us / 406-260-1176 Fee: $20 Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays January 31-March 23 Time: 5:00-6:30pm Location: Linderman School Room 109

Beginning Hand Embroidery

Embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to apply thread or yarn. Embroidery may also incorporate other materials such as pearls and beads. In this class you will make either an embroidery sampler pattern. Sign up for enjoyable evenings of calming handwork and socializing. Instructor: Bonnie Petersen Contact Information: bpetersen@polson.k12.mt.us Fee: $20 Dates: Wednesday - February 1- March 22 Time: 5-7pm Location: Cherry Valley Elementary- Room 1

“Reiki One – A Healing Art”

Reiki (RAY-key) is a gentle, hands-on relaxation and healing technique. A type of “energy work”, it was created almost 100 years ago. It’s easy to learn, and in 4 weeks you’ll be doing it. You’ll learn what Reiki is, it’s history, about your “energy body”. You’ll learn Self-Reiki and practice doing Reiki on someone else. Give yourself a gift that will last for a lifetime. Class size is limited to 6 people. Instructor: Vicka Lanier Contact: 406-698-3498, email me at vickalanier13@gmail.com or go to www. helpyouheal.com Fee: $20 Dates: Wednesday February 1,8,15,22 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm Location: Polson High School Room 213

Beginning Sewing

Come and learn how to make a pillowcase with french seams out of the favorite fabric that you provide, or maybe you would like to learn how to make a zipper cosmetic bag. If you master that project and want to begin another of your choice, we have Bernina sewing machines to work to your heart’s content! Also for those who know how to sew but do not have a sewing machine, feel free to bring your project and use our machines. Instructor: Julie Duford Contact: jduford@polson.k12.mt.us Fee: $20 Dates: Monday & Wednesday - January 30thMarch 22 Time: 6-8pm Location: Polson Middle School Room 21