Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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Gov. Greg Gianforte announced that he has appointed state Rep. Marta Bertoglio as the director of the Montana Department of Commerce, which administers state business development grants and conducts other economic development efforts. Bertoglio, a third-term Republican from Clancy, fills a vacancy created in February after then-commerce director Paul Green, himself a former Republican lawmaker from Hardin, left the role to run Big Sky Economic Development. This regional economic development authority serves the Billings area. Deputy Commerce...
As we approach the final weeks of the legislative session and reflect on the Easter season, I find myself grateful for the opportunity to serve you, the progress we have made, and the values that guide our work here in Helena. We have sent hundreds of bills to the Senate, each a reflection of the concerns I hear from constituents back home. Whether it’s keeping rural pharmacies open, supporting our teachers, or delivering real property tax relief, the focus remains clear: support working f...
On Thursday, April 10, at the Whitehall CTAC meeting, it was announced that the Rocky Mountain Development Council was considering the closure of Whitehall’s Rocky Head Start, located at 405 W Legion in Whitehall. In their letter, RMDC stated: “We want to begin by expressing how much we care about your children, families, and this community. We recognize and deeply appreciate the hard work you put into supporting your children’s learning, and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in this important work. “We also want to be t...
The April 2nd meeting of Whitehall Indivisible had 17 people present with one new face (welcome!) First up was the big item of the week that stood out in people’s minds: Senator Cory Booker’s 25-hour filibuster, Washington State Rep Pramila Jayapal’s work with resistance and protest, the Signal app chat, law firms caving to Trump’s targeting, proxy voting victory in in the US House of Reps with bipartisan support, more executive orders, massive cuts to Health & Human Services, elimination of due process for legal and possibly illegal (who kn...
PAGE WOCK: Whitehall High School senior Ethan Wock was a page on the House floor during the 69th Montana Legislative Session from February 24th through March 1st. Representative Marta Bertoglio sponsored him, and his duties consisted of running errands, delivering messages, and distributing bills, amendments, and other documents. He enjoyed this opportunity, especially working the floor during some exciting bills that week. Ethan would like to thank Representative Bertoglio for this opportunity!...
In this legislative session, I introduced House Bill 740 to help Montana’s pharmacies stand up to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Decades ago, these industry giants started out filling a legitimate need in the processing and negotiating of prescription drug insurance benefits. However, they quickly grew and consolidated into some of the largest corporations in the United States, and now, just a few PMBs control virtually the entire drug benefits market. In 2023, the top three PBMs made a c...
We just passed the halfway point of our 90 days in Helena, and I am proud to report that we have made significant strides in tackling the big and small issues facing our state. With over 800 bills introduced in the House, we’ve sent just under 600 bills to our counterparts in the Senate. I made a commitment to support common sense solutions to the problems facing our state. Below are just a few of the many bills that have been presented by the House Majority that will tackle these issues. House...
Montana’s property taxes are out of control. That’s why our top priority this session is passing permanent property tax relief for Montanans. And we’re not alone: Governor Gianforte signaled that property tax reform is at the top of his to-do list this session in his recent State of the State address. While we all agree on the need for property tax reform, debate this session will be over how to offer Montanans real, permanent relief on their property tax bills. Here are some solutions-oriented policy proposals that would provide immediate, per...
I just got back from the Travel Industry Rotunda Day at the Montana State Capitol in Helena on Monday, January 13th, where we were talking about something that affects all of us here in Montana: SB 90. This bill promises property tax relief, but don’t be fooled—it comes at a cost we can’t afford. Here’s the deal: Tourism is one of Montana’s biggest moneymakers. Every year, visitors bring in $5.45 billion, support over 66,000 jobs, and contribute $414 million in state and local taxes. That’s a big deal, especially when you realize it saves the a...
Montana has weighed in on the national, state, and local elections. The most important election results reflect concerns raised by our residents right here in Montana. We look forward to supporting the Governor’s recent “Path to Security and Prosperity” by focusing on economic development, creating more good-paying jobs, and improving family success and prosperity. We are committed to increasing student outcomes through enhanced educational options and greater funding transparency. The statistics show that more school funding does not neces...
With November 5th approaching and election season nearing an end, you may need clarity on who to vote for and why. This week, you have two opportunities to educate yourself on the 2024 Montana elections. Both are held on Thursday, October 10th. BOULDER MONITOR 2024 CANDIDATE FORUM: Thursday, October 10 at 7 PM in the Volunteer Hall in Boulder. Meet the candidates for Senate District 38 (Becky Beard and Jeffrey Benson) and House District 38 (Marta Bertoglio and Nancy Jane Lien) at this candidate...
September 11 marks another anniversary of our nation's worst terrorist attack - the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. For months following September 11, 2001, people came together to grieve family, friends, and strangers. More than 20 years later, we still do. Sometimes called "Patriots Day" or "Day of Remembrance," September 11 has become an annual day for many Americans to remember, reflect, honor, and mourn. We should never forget this day, but many of us have never shared...
Politics can be a messy business, and the timing of our supplemental tax bill, with its paragraph blaming the Governor's office and Legislature during an election cycle, along with the timing of the veto override of SB 442, concerns me. While I try to avoid the "politics" in politics, I feel compelled to address these issues. To begin, I would like to express my reasons for supporting the Governor's veto of Senate Bill 442, a bill that would have allowed marijuana tax revenue to be used for...
The Jefferson County Republicans are hosting a Candidate Forum on Sunday, April 14, 2024, beginning at noon, to provide a public service to Montana voters and Republican primary candidates for Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, and Broadwater counties. The event will be held at The Barn at the Kleffner Ranch (305 Hwy 518) in East Helena. The Master of Ceremonies will be Matt Regier, Speaker of the Montana House of Representatives. Attendees can see and hear candidates speak about their reasons for want...
Dear Editor, Last week I wrote a letter to the editor stating that “politicians lie.” I need to correct that thought. While we are used to politicians saying one thing to get elected and then doing another in office, that reference was too broad. In Montana, we are fortunate enough to have representatives in office who say what they will do and then do as they say. Or at least try to. This last session we were fortunate enough to have many. Theresa Manzella, Becky Beard, and Marta Bertoglio to...
On the road Wednesday, October 18, 2023, for his third annual 56 County Tour, Governor Greg Gianforte visited family-owned small businesses before meeting with first responders in southwest Montana. "Nothing compares to the work ethic of Montanans, whether they're small business owners, welders, ranchers, firefighters, or law enforcement officers keeping our communities safe," Gov. Gianforte said. "I share their priorities of greater opportunity, good-paying jobs, tax relief, the best education...
On Sunday, October 15th, the Jefferson County Republican Central Committee held its annual Fall Harvest Festival at the Keffler Ranch, and what a dinner it was! 175 attendees enjoyed an evening that started with a Happy Hour to meet and mingle with the hosts and sponsors while Lance Handyside provided some great country music. The special speaker for the night was Nick Adams. Many stated that they were so busy listening to Nick that they forgot to take pictures. Nick Adams is the founder and CEO of the Foundation for Liberty and American...
When I opened my Department of Revenue (DOR) appraisal notice I, like many of you, was shocked by the increase in my property tax estimate. Even though I read on the first page, “THIS IS NOT YOUR PROPERTY TAX BILL”, I was still concerned. I understand the angst and confusion regarding this process because property owners question the accuracy of the fair market value and secondly the possible increase in their property taxes. Please remember that property taxes are local. This means that local s...
It was quite the Arbor Day celebration here on Friday, April 28! We had 159 preschoolers and elementary children here for some great activities with Deanna Mydland from PBSKids. Everyone was sporting nature crowns, bird feeders, and miniature working lung machines. It was a wonderful day and we loved having Deanna here! This week is National Children's Book Week and in honor of Cinco de Mayo, we will be having a special story time on Friday with international tales and treats! Then on May 12,...
March 3rd marked the halfway point of the 68th Legislative session. We heard hundreds of bills in committee and on the House floor. The last week was filled with long hours and high emotion as legislators fought for their legislative priorities. Here are a few takeaways from our session thus far: Key pieces of legislation have passed both chambers and will be sent to the Governor. These include a property tax rebate of $1000 to residential property owners paid out in 2024 and 2025, and an...
Dear Editor, With the legalization of recreational marijuana and the ensuing tax, the State of Montana has exceeded tax revenue expectations. Since then, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has received 20% of the marijuana tax income for the purpose of funding wildlife habitats. The Habitat Montana program currently has over $13 million available to sufficiently fund their conservation program. In addition to funding Habitat Montana, we need to address our out-of-control drug problem across the state. I am writing in support of...
Granted, it's cold outside, requiring extra layers of well-insulated clothing. But, Montana is a winter paradise with wide-open spaces surrounded by towering mountains. There's wildlife all around and, frankly, the snow makes them easier to spot. Another bonus, the crowds are gone; even the state's ski resorts aren't busy. So, forget about cabin fever, catching up on chores, or knitting scarves for everyone you know. Get out and take in the sights, discover dinosaurs in Bozeman, a snow coach...
The 2023 legislative session has begun. The House of Representatives is off to a productive start for the people of Montana. Many of the bills heard thus far are part of Governor Gianforte’s “Red Tape Relief Initiative” to delete laws no longer used and also to streamline how business is accomplished within state agencies. Legislative committees have had hearings on important bills. The first one was HR-1. This defined how we as legislators conduct the business of the House for the people of Mo...
Snow is falling, the air is crisp, day by day more twinkling lights appear, and kids are trying hard to behave; all signs of Christmas drawing near. As soon as that spirit hits, there's a Santa sleigh full of events to welcome the holidays. You can stay close to home in Whitehall for the Alpaca Christmas Affair, Ranching Tradition Fiber's Country Christmas, the annual Christmas Festival, and Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Candlelight Tours or venture farther afield for more events in...
In a Volunteer Hall decked out in spider webs and skeletons for “Fright Night” festivities, candidates for County Commissioner and Sheriff faced off Monday evening at a Boulder Monitor Forum – most often revealing how much they agreed on key issues facing Jefferson County. The forum brought together four native Montanans, all of them longtime residents of Jefferson County with extensive careers as public servants. Chad Cross and Tom Grimsrud, who are vying for the Sheriff’s job, both have worked in Jefferson County law enforcement for about t...
