It's final. LR-131 has failed. I feel a profound sense of relief. LR-131 would have overridden parents' decision-making -- and irretrievably harmed neonatal intensive care in Montana. I am grateful for the bravery of the many, many people speaking up & sharing stories. #LR131

We did it and it was all due to the families who shared their deeply personal stories, the healthcare providers who worked tirelessly to educate voters, and all our volunteers who helped us spread awareness. #LR131, a cruel and unnecessary proposed government mandate, is defeated

First, @KarlenforHD96 flipped HD96 (W Missoula to Huson) Democratic!! Jonathan has degrees in wildlife biology & public administration, and wants collaborative approaches to problems -- especially housing, energy, mental health and supporting veterans. jonathankarlen.org

Proud to drop my first bill in the hopper today! HB 238 invests in MT’s Best Beginnings program to make affordable childcare a reality for working families. Here we go! #mtleg #mtpol

Proud to present HB 238 last week - it’s long past time to invest in child care. helenair.com/news/state-and…

Today the Business and Labor committee tabled HB 386, my bill to create paid sick days for all working Montanans. Where’s the love for the workin’ man?! #mtleg #mtpol

“I think this might be the most important bill this committee is going to grapple with this session.” - Rep. Howell, who voted yes. Passed 17-4 with bipartisan support.

A great bill by @Howell4HD95. A smart way to reduce administrative costs for Medicaid and maintain continuity of care for those with chronic illnesses. #mtleg #mtpol

The GOP doubled down on their attack on the rights of nonbinary, transgender, & Two Spirit Montanans, with the passage of SB 458. @Howell4HD95 knows MT Dems will continue to defend Montanans from Republicans’ constant & unending attacks on their freedom, safety, privacy, & lives.

👀👀 MT Republicans quietly reveal their main goal for the next legislative session—kicking tens of thousands of families off their health insurance, closing small hospitals and nursing homes across the state. #mtpol

This escalation by Montana House Republicans is in direct violation of our democratic values. A party cannot disenfranchise a district of voters. I believe our government works best when everyone participates. Efforts to silence the minority will never succeed. #mtleg #mtpol

Montana's LGBTQ+ state Reps. Kim Abbott, Donavon Hawk, @Howell4HD95 all voted in solidarity with Rep. Zooey Zephyr. Still, the motion to censure her passes on a party line vote. This is a huge mistake. Our statement, in partnership with GLAAD: victoryinstitute.org/news/glaad-lgb…

What happened yesterday in Helena was clear discrimination against Rep. Zooey Zephyr I fully support her & the rest of the trans & queer community whom the super majority violently seeks to silence & eradicate. I won't let the hate of one group silence any of our voices #mtleg #mtpol

Breaking: Montana Supreme Court holds 5-2 that Montana's sexual offender registry is punitive in nature and thus the Legislature cannot change it to retroactively increase punishment on individuals already sentenced. Baker and Rice dissent. juddocumentservice.mt.gov/getDocByCTrack… #mtpol #mtnews

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Celebrating a historic win for childcare access in MT. HB 648 (sponsored by Rep. Alice Buckley) was signed by the governor. From HB 238 (the precursor bill) to now, so many worked tirelessly. I am proud to have been part of the team that made it happen! #mtleg #mtpol

Happy Pride, Missoula 🌈 #mtpol

Every time renters were be included in tax rebates, the Republican majority amended them out. Every bill that prevented Montanans from being exploited by corporate out-of-state landlords was sent to a kill committee by Republican leadership. #mtpol #mtleg