A Few Tests for Tester

The election cycle is picking up steam and campaigning is well underway. While it is important to pay attention to what each candidate has said, it is also important to look at what each candidate has done. This proves more true for an incumbent candidate like Jon Tester. As one of our state's senators, he has a large presence on the national scale for Montana. Has he truly fought for what is in the best interest of Montana and its citizens? What are his plans moving forward for our state and our nation? And most importantly, is he really the right person to represent Montana in the U.S. Senate? These are the questions that must be asked about all of our representatives on every political level.

Integrity is one of the most vital aspects of public service. Transparency is the only way to ensure our elected officials actually represent the citizens. As a founding member of the Senate Transparency Caucus, Tester has been leading the fight in D.C. to reign in the flow of dark money into our government. He successfully sponsored an amendment to the 2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, which requires U.S. Senate candidates to file their campaign finance reports electronically to make reports available to the public sooner. Tester already does this, being the first senator in U.S. history to post his public schedule online. The American Library Association recognized Jon Tester as one of the most transparent members of the Senate and awarded him the James Madison award for his efforts in the fight for public access to information.

Throughout his record as a senator, there are many examples of Tester fighting for Montana values. He has successfully fought repeated attempts by the government to sell public lands during budget debates. He passed legislation to give our communities more control over their local schools. As a former educator, he continues to fight for public education and affordable college for the youth of Montana. Even more recently, Tester pushed back against Verizon for its decision to eliminate contracts and remove rural customers from its network. Without coverage, many families in rural areas like the Hi-Line would lose access to emergency services. Verizon, ultimately, reversed its decision to terminate its service to rural areas after receiving pressure from the senator.

We must always hold our representatives to a high standard. Not only must they be a political warrior for us, but also a leader. Earlier this month, Tester presented his #EmployMT plan to strengthen American businesses, cut red tape, and boost infrastructure investments and workforce training. Tester believes we need a modern infrastructure in order to remain a global leader. By investing in our roads, bridges, rail, and water systems, many jobs can be created for workers in Montana and across the nation. The rise of good-paying jobs would bolster our economy and our updated infrastructure would net-save money. Tester said he will introduce the Berry Amendment Extension Act to require the Department of Homeland Security to purchase American products, guaranteeing jobs for American workers.

Jon Tester has proven his commitment to Montana's citizens and the values he represents. He remains an outspoken voice for Montana in the Senate and continues to stand by his promise of integrity and transparency.