Since Northern Plains’ founding in 1972, our members have had a big impact at the legislature, speaking up for our values and priorities. This year is no different! Here are some memorable quotes from Northern Plains members showing courageous leadership while engaging with our legislative issues:
Jeanie Alderson, Birney rancher, testifying in support of HB 276, a bill to establish a farm to food bank program:
“This bill creates a new market for Montana’s producers, and helps us to reach more Montanans with our homegrown beef that has a superior taste and nutritional value… This is an excellent bill to open a needed market, while also bringing locally-grown food to low-income Montanans.”
Tom Mexicancheyenne, Lame Deer, testifying in support of HB 18, a bill to establish a missing persons’ response team training program:
“I know from watching these searches in our own communities that the response is quick but also very difficult because of jurisdictional issues… Everyone has something to contribute to this effort; if we can get them to work together and take some of those barriers down through this training, I think we can be very successful.”
Joanie Kresich, Livingston, in a Billings Gazette guest column defending our Constitutional rights in the face of proposed legislative threats:
“Montana is stronger, safer, more just, and more independent because of our Constitution. We have leveled the playing field so that wealthy individuals and large corporations can’t co-opt our legislators behind our backs.”
Mary Fitzpatrick, Billings, testifying in opposition to HB 284, the “Bring Pre-Approval Back from the Dead” bill:
“Montana’s utilities have every right to purchase generation assets. But in doing so, they should be responsible for assuming the business risks and future costs associated with those purchases. This bill would allow Montana’s utilities to seek advance permission from the Public Service Commission to pass untold costs onto customers for years to come… This bill opens the door for the utility to gamble with ratepayer money, and for that reason, we ask that you vote no on this bill.”
