Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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Dear Editor, Don't buy beltway spin-Montana's budget is built the Big Sky country way. Glossy mailers, social media posts, and robocalls from Americans for Prosperity (AFP) are flooding Big Sky Country with talk of "exploding spending." But AFP is based in Virginia, with no stake in our land, and they're twisting the numbers to fit a story that just doesn't add up. Here's the reality: our nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Division reports state spending growth at about 0.7%-well below inflation....
Property tax statements for 2025 have begun arriving in mailboxes across House District 69. Earlier this year, you received your updated Appraisal Notice. While many property owners saw an increase in their Assessed Value, a vast majority of residential taxpayers also noticed a decrease in their Taxable Value. This shift is the result of new legislation—House Bill 231 and Senate Bill 542—aimed at providing meaningful tax relief for Montana residents. What Changed and Why: The new laws lowered tax rates for principal residences and lon...
Dear Editor, I'm announcing my intention to seek reelection to Montana's House District 69. Serving this district has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I'm proud of the work we've accomplished together-from strengthening water policy, protecting our health care system, supporting public education, enhancing conservation measures and infrastructure, to ensuring fiscal responsibility and advocating for rural communities. While the election season is still months away, my focus...
Dear Editor, As the 2025 Montana Property Tax Rebate application period opens, Representative Ken Walsh (HD 69) is available to assist constituents with questions, eligibility, and the application process. "If you own and reside in your home here in House District 69, you may qualify for up to $400 back on your property taxes," said Walsh. "I want to ensure every eligible resident has the support they need to access this rebate." Residents are encouraged to reach out directly for help...
Most property owners should have received their 2025 property reappraisal notices. If you haven’t received yours, please visit property.mt.gov or call (406) 444-6900. While property values increased due to higher market valuations, new legislation passed this session—House Bill 231 and Senate Bill 542—will generally reduce property taxes for Montana residents, agriculture and small business owners. Eligible taxpayers can also receive a $400 property tax rebate or the full amount of their 2024 tax payment—whichever is less. How Montana...
Dear Editor, I assume that the flyer from Americans for Prosperity (AFP) regarding my vote on HB 320, commonly referred to as the Montana Academic Prosperity Program for Scholars (MAPPS), was distributed county- or district-wide. Therefore, I felt it was important to respond. I fully support education for all and respect the desire for choices, including private, homeschool, or hybrid options. However, I firmly believe that taxpayer dollars should prioritize public education. Let’s first examine what HB 320 would have done if passed. The b...
Dear Editor, Running for public office is not for the faint of heart. City council members, county commissioners, school board trustees, and state legislators all require a big commitment to do their jobs well. I admire anyone who tosses their hat into the ring. As taxpayers and voters, we all must participate by educating ourselves on the candidate's priorities and policies and, most importantly, voting. Our jobs are not done yet. We must remain engaged in the budgeting and policy-making...
Dear Editor, We are now finished with week two of the legislature. It has been very busy and successful. I have had several bills moving within the House and Senate. House Bill 86, the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP) reauthorization has passed the House and will be heard in the Senate FWP Committee next week. This bill deals with controlling noxious weeds on large landscapes that support priority wildlife habitats. The Ruby Valley Conservation District has an ongoing project in the upper Ruby, in cooperation with multiple...
Dear Editor, The 68th Montana Legislative session is nearly upon us and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to again serve the constituents of House District 71 in my second term. As is always the case the biennial 90-day session will be packed with a lot of bills, currently 4227 bill titles. There will need to be a lot of research, reading, and listening to be done. It is important that the public participate and provide needed input to their representatives to make sure that their voices are heard. Public testimony in person or via Zoom d...
I am pleased to announce my candidacy for re-election to continue my service to the citizens of House District 71 (Madison County and parts of Jefferson and Silver Bow Counties). It has been my honor to represent and advocate for you, not just during the session, but on an ongoing basis. In 2019, I campaigned that I would bring “common-sense conservative values” to my legislature. My primary issues that I focused on were: NATURAL RESOURCES • viable and sustainable agriculture economy • keep public lands public and promote multiple use of outd...
