Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
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As I write this, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility for the opportunity to represent you in the Montana House of Representatives. On day one I was sworn in as your legislator by Judge Luke Savage of Sidney, Montana—a moment I will always remember. Standing there, I felt the weight of the trust you’ve placed in me and the duty I now carry to serve our district with integrity, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to our shared values. I also had the privilege of witnessing the Governor’s inauguration on the steps...
In a few short days we will be reporting to Helena to represent our constituents on a wide variety of concerns and issues. Ironically, one topic that invariably comes up and was one of the first questions we were asked, “Can you do ANYTHING about changing the clocks?” President Elect Trump recently proposed eliminating Daylight Saving Time so there is much chatter from all sides of the issue. Most all agree we need to stick to one or the other, which one becomes debatable. Senate Bill 254, introduced in the 2021 session, authorized yea...
Dear Editor, My name is Joyce Morehouse and I'm the Coordinator for Valley County Council on Aging. We serve congregate meals at the Senior Center 3 days a week, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. We also deliver Home Meals to 15 people 5 days a week. We do commodities bimonthly. This is all for people who are 60 or older. We are very much in need of volunteers for: Picking up the meals at the cottonwood 5 days a week and bringing them to the Senior Center. We do have a vehicle for this. People to...
As we previously reported orientation week in Helena was overwhelming yet exhilarating and we might add enlightening. We learned of different opportunities that are available to all of us as Montana residents and in this Constituent Connection we would like to highlight one such program available to the next generation of government servants. The Legislative Page Program is open to area high school juniors and seniors and is an incredible opportunity for them to learn state government first hand. Under the supervision of a Page supervisor they...
Dear Editor, Hats off and Congratulations to Ruth Ann and her Great Volunteers on another successful 30 PLUS years of a tasty Thanksgiving Day Dinner Truly enjoyed the dinner and fun to see so many happy familiar faces, our end of the table enjoyed the food, laughter and it continued onto my sister Sherry's house. We all have so much to be thankful for and Valley County you have one of the best, Ruth Ann who continues her tradition for 30 PLUS years and her Volunteers---- truly amazing how she...
Dear Editor, Montana's 130,563 small businesses make up 99.3 percent of all Montana businesses. These small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities; they drive innovation, create jobs, and provide economic stability in towns and rural areas across Montana. As we enter the holiday season, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is encouraging shoppers to support local small businesses in celebration of the Season of Small Business and Small Business Saturday which occurs the...
Dear Editor, The Fort Peck Rural County Water District Board continues to try to get away with the most egregious actions – making up their own rules as they go along. You decide for yourselves: Lack of transparency regarding Kittleson Ridge Subdivision continues: Thanks to a District customer, a copy of the December 2023 DEQ's Certificate of Subdivision Approval for Kittleson Ridge Subdivision was finally provided to the Board, nearly a year after it was issued. The fact that Board president (...
What a week in Helena! We just returned from orientation which was overwhelming, yet exhilarating. Here we had the opportunity to meet our new colleagues, receive our committee assignments, and engage in training sessions designed to prepare us for the 69th Montana Legislature. During the week, we also participated in the election of our legislative leaders, setting the tone and direction for the upcoming session. It was inspiring to see a shared commitment among legislators to address the pressing issues facing Montanans. Our focus is clear:...
Dear Editor, As November begins, so does the busiest shopping season of the year. We're familiar with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but let's not overlook Small Business Saturday-a day dedicated to supporting the businesses that keep our communities vibrant and unique. On this day, shop small and make an impact close to home by supporting the shops, services, and makers in our own backyards. Rural and local businesses face unique pressures. They compete not only with the convenience of online...
Dear Editor, Under current law, retired military veterans who also receive service-connected disability compensation have their retirement benefits reduced by the disability benefits they receive. In other words, disabled military retirees pay their own disability benefits. There are few exceptions to that penalty, but virtually all military retirees whose disability rating is less than 50% are adversely affected. For his entire career in the Senate, Sen. Tester has spearheaded an effort to...
U.S. Senator Jon Tester I’m Jon Tester. I’ve lived down a long dirt road outside of Big Sandy all my life, where I still farm the same land my grandparents homesteaded more than 100 years ago. Out here, your word is your bond, and you look out for your neighbors. A handshake still means something. And that’s why Montana is the greatest state in the greatest country on earth. But that Montana that we know and love is changing, and the Last Best Place is at risk of being lost forever. I want to make sure Montana remains the place that we grew...
Dear Editor, I'm writing in support of CI-128. In trying to have our child, I lost two very wanted pregnancies. I chose to have D&C procedures, because waiting for my body to shed the products of conception not only lengthened the time it would take until I could try again and put my physical health at risk, but the reality of having a wanted pregnancy that was no longer growing, that would never grow still inside me was emotionally agonizing. This is a regular reality for women and families as...
After backing out of two traditional debates, Gov. Greg Gianforte agreed to meet me for only one smaller debate this fall. We’ve posted the full debate, which he doesn’t want you to see, online at busseformontana.com. I invite all Montanans to watch. See for yourself how Gov. Gianforte refused to explain why he jacked up our property taxes by as much as 111 percent, or why he gave tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires like himself. Gov. Gianforte also refused to explain why, under his watch, Montana surpassed California to become the most...
Dear Editor, "Money back in our pockets" is top priority for Washington, D.C., talking to Montanans. Four plus years as a Legislative Aide at the U.S. Capitol and canceling $44 billion in wasteful government programs is a start to reaching that goal. Washington, D.C., already knows how to get money back in taxpayer pockets. The President, U.S. House, and U.S. Senate agree on a two-step 'action plan.' Goal: Lower the U.S. $1.8 trillion budget deficit and the $950 billion interest rate paid on the...
Nearly 30 years ago, the Montana Power Company asked Montana legislators to engage in a public policy experiment called deregulation. The promoters of deregulation made a lot of promises. They said it would lower electricity costs, result in more competition, and make Montana a more business friendly place. In reality, none of these happened. Electric deregulation has been nothing more than a public policy disaster. Today, Montanans are being asked to engage in another public policy experiment – the top four primary. Like the promoters of e...
As a candidate for State Auditor, I know very well how challenging it is to raise the profile of the office. It is an important office that has a direct impact on all Montanans, but a lot of folks don’t know much about it. Per Montana law, the purpose of the office is to ‘protect Montana insurance consumers.’ My campaign is focused on that role and my qualification for the position based on four decades of ethical business experience. Unfortunately, my opponent is running on lies and issues unrelated to the Montana State Auditor’s office....
Dear Editor: District Court Judge Katherine Bidegaray is the right choice to be the next justice on the Montana Supreme Court. Having appeared in front of her in court and gotten to know her over the years, I have seen her be impartial, fair, and respectful to each party in all cases she has. She was born and raised on a Richland County farm and ranch, and she knows the importance of preparation, hard work, and self-discipline. Judge Bidegaray cares deeply about the state of Montana, the rule...
I’ve put more than 100,000 miles on Montana’s highways over the past year, listening to people in every corner of our state. There are two issues that come up everywhere I go: The first is Gov. Greg Gianforte’s record high property taxes and the sky-high cost of living here. The second is the governor’s dangerous war on access to our public land and wildlife. While the cost of living in Montana has skyrocketed, Gov. Gianforte made the problem worse by raising property taxes by as much as 111...
Dear Editor, Amidst all the positions Montanans will be voting on in November - is Initiative 128 that would amend the Montana Constitution “to expressly provide a right to make and carry out decisions about one’s own pregnancy, including the right to abortion. It would prohibit the government from denying or burdening the right to abortion before fetal viability.” Science has shown life begins at conception, and like Tim Sheehey states, “abortion is murder.” To end innocent life is nothing less than murder. We grimace at school shootings...
Dear Valley County and Montana Voters, Election Day is just around the corner in Montana. Like many people, I'm nearly exhausted from being inundated with campaign flyers, phone calls and what seems like a perpetual blitz of political commercials on television and ads on social media. Unfortunately, mostly negative and attacking. The 2024 election may prove to be historic and as it is in most elections, November 5th will bring joy for some and disappointment for others. As a former high school...
If you live in Montana, there's no doubt you feel the sting of this sobering fact: Montana just surpassed California to become the most unaffordable state in the nation. That's not political hype; that's according to the National Association of Realtors. Out-of-state millionaires and billionaires are flooding into our state, buying up property and jacking up our prices, turning Montana into their own personal playground. Many of our small schools can't afford to hire teachers or have five-day...
Dear Editor, I believe it's time we had an honest conversation about our veterans, their healthcare and some misconceptions that seem to be circulating in our community. Recently, I've seen political ads claiming that Senator Jon Tester has let down our veterans and has done nothing to address VA suicide. As someone who has seen firsthand the impact of recent healthcare changes in our area, these claims don't sit right with me. I feel compelled to share what I know, and I hope you will take...
Dear Editor, The Billings Gazette has recently run front page articles about the truth of campaign ads by Sen. Jon Tester and Tim Sheehy, opponents in the Montana U.S. Senate race. The articles discuss political crossfire between the two on important public issues, but they do not inquire into the personal integrity of the candidates. Senator Tester is a known quantity. He has a solid backstory and a lengthy record of public service. We know who he is and what he believes in. Sheehy is a...
Montana has never been more expensive, and Governor Greg Gianforte is pouring gas on the fire. Gianforte raised property taxes by as much as 111 percent. That's the largest increase in Montana history. What's worse, he's handed out tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires like himself, while pricing hardworking Montanans and seniors out of their homes. One of the most important decisions we face this election year is who we should ask to be our next governor. My name is Ryan Busse. I'm...
Many people visit a radiologist at least once in their lives and are familiar with what those visits may entail: X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, and other imaging tests to screen for broken bones, cancer, and other injuries and diseases. Interventional Radiologists like myself are a subspecialty of Radiology, who do image guided surgical procedures. Patients generally know what to expect from these routine health care procedures. What a patient may not expect is needing emergency abortion care follow...
