President of the Senate Ellsworth Boasts About “Opportunity” to Pass Constitutional Changes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 18th, 2022

CONTACT
press@montanademocrats.org

Montanans deserve to know: What changes will you try to make to the Constitution?

Helena, MT – In a speech during the GOP Senate Caucus leadership elections, Senator and newly-selected President of the Senate Jason Ellsworth said “We’re going to have an opportunity next session, ‘cus we’re going to have a Supermajority, to potentially pass constitutional initiatives.”

Montana deserves to know, Jason – What changes do you have in mind?

Are you planning on coming after reproductive autonomy again, despite the fact that Montana voters decisively voted against letting Republicans alter our constitutional right to privacy at the ballot box this year? Are you planning on carving up our right to a clean and healthful environment? Our constitutionally-enshrined right to public education?

“The Montana GOP has elected Jason Ellsworth to Senate leadership, and with that, they continue to show their contempt for the Montana constitution,” says Sheila Hogan, executive director of the Montana Democratic Party. “Make no mistake. Ellsworth and the body he presides over are coming after our state’s constitution.”

BACKGROUND:
Montana Republicans have spent the last two years trying to push an unconstitutional legislative agenda. The courts and the constitution have frequently held them accountable. Now, Montana GOP leadership is coming after the independence of the courts, by flouting critical non-partisan rules for judicial elections. And they’re trying to “amend or entirely replace the Constitution,” publicly bashing the document in interviews, and now going as far as to suggest 'tweaks' are necessary.

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