Democratic Legislators Discuss the Issues in Lewistown and Havre on Listening Tour

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 2, 2023

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Helena, MT – Democratic legislators continued the Legislative Listening Tour in Lewistown and Havre, hearing from Montanans about concerns like affordable housing, property taxes, and health care.

In Lewistown, Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell (D-Helena) and Appropriations Chair Mary Caferro (D-Helena) talked to 50 Fergus County residents about the lack of affordable housing in Montana and how it hurts the whole community – from Main Street businesses that can’t find workers to schools’ inability to hire teachers. 

Folks were also worried about upcoming property tax hikes and the possibility Republicans will try to push for a sales tax, which would hurt rural Montanans. Agriculture concerns came up, including regenerative farming and Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). Many Montanans were concerned about extreme energy rate hikes.

Legislators even made time to stop by a farm and learn more about the future of agriculture in Montana. 

Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell, Eastern District Member Ben Peterson, and Appropriations Chair Mary Caferro pose on Peterson’s farm during a pit stop on the Legislative Listening Tour in Lewistown.

In Havre, Democratic legislators Rep. Paul Tuss (D-Havre), Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy (D-Box Elder) and Caferro met at the Havre Eagles Club to hear from Hill County residents about their top issues, including health care and education. They had questions about community services for children who have disabilities or people with mental health challenges. They also asked what can be done for aging Montanans amid so many long-term care facility closures. 

They wanted fair taxation and better education and job training for the next generation. Some spoke their support for Medicaid expansion, saying it has been “a game changer” for rural hospitals, has helped reduce mental health crises, and has been beneficial for preventative care. 

Rep. Paul Tuss (D-Havre), Havre resident Andrea Melle, and Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Mary Caferro (D-Helena) opened the Havre Legislative Listening Session

Democratic legislators are hosting the statewide Listening Tour to hear from voters and constituents directly, listen to concerns about the direction the state is moving, and answer questions Montanans might have about the most recent legislative session. The Legislative Listening Tour kicked off in Great Falls earlier this summer, and has made additional stops in Belgrade, Fort Peck, Laurel, and Red Lodge.
 

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