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Well, it's that time of year again to practice your right to vote. We have the freedom to choose those people who represent us in the US Congress, the Montana Legislature and in the courts. I am so grateful for our democracy, as imperfect as it is, it allows us to take part and share our voice. Don't be embarrassed if you don't know who to vote for, I'd recommend reading the Pathfinder for information, and most candidates have a website or Facebook page where you can find more information. I...
Happy New Year all. I hope you had a healthy and happy holiday season and are now finding yourselves ready to take on 2022. Wow, it's hard to believe it's already 2022 - every year there is a bit of awkwardness around saying or writing a new year, somehow it just doesn't feel normal. That having been said, if we've learning nothing from the past two years, it's how to function with hiccups and uncertainties: having to cancel plans with family and friends, how to work on Zoom meetings instead of...
It's that holiday time of year when we give thanks and gifts to our neighbors, friends and family. I want to let you know how grateful I am for you. It truly is an honor to represent our district. November was an especially busy month legislatively. I attended the national conference for legislators and I learned a great deal on everything from economic issues to bringing dignity back to politics and I was asked to present on college access and affordability. In order to address the housing...
What a glorious September we had: sunshine, minimal smoke and still a busy economy. I recently had a lovely visit with Grace at Mission Mountain Mercantile and Nathan, wearing his hat as chair of the Seeley Lake Chamber of Commerce. I appreciate their time and dedication to our community. If I haven't reached out to you yet and you have something to share, please call me and let's set up a time to visit! Government is here to help, not hold you back with red tape and taxes. Okay, speaking of tax...
I often think of September, and not January, as the new year in our calendar. Kids are with new teachers, summer vacations are over and we're all settling back into a routine of sorts. It's a time to reflect on the last year and look ahead to the upcoming year. I've been thinking about the concept of "We the people..." and the opportunities we have to work together to solve problems. I always want to under-promise and over-deliver, but I will say, as your senator, representing our district in...
Ah, the holidays. The Fourth has grown on me over the years, it hasn't always been one of my very favorite holidays. Christmas and Easter are always special. The simplicity of Thanksgiving is extra sweet, gathering to break bread and give thanks. But July 4th is more and more remarkable to me as each year goes by. There is a feeling that summer is now finally in full swing. Locals and visitors gather for the parades, brats and burgers with friends and extended families. But it's more than that....
I just love June. It is a time of recognition, hope and celebration: the traditions of graduation, Father's Day and weddings. This is a time we can reflect on the potential impact we might have on other people. Reading last week's Pathfinder honoring the kindergarteners, eighth graders and high school graduates just warmed my heart. I enjoyed the diplomas and the honors, the proud families and the excitement for next steps. I am grateful for the teachers who are retiring after long careers of...
The legislative session came to an end last week. It was truly an honor to serve you and look out for your interests in Helena. Thank you. While on the campaign trail, I tried to make no promises but shared my intent to work hard with my fellow legislators and focus on what we all have in common: a desire to have a good job that pays the bills and puts food on the table...and allows us a bit of time to enjoy with family and friends. This was my first session as a legislator but even experienced...
It is a true honor to represent you in Helena. Although we have covered a wide variety of topics in the legislative session thus far, I would like to share a few issues we are currently working on: • Building and protecting good jobs, especially in tourism and natural resources. • Guarding the backbone of our democracy: voting rights and integrity. • Making certain high quality public education is accessible for everyone. • Increasing access to broadband and computers for rural communi...
Happy Spring! I hope everyone has been enjoying this beautiful weather and had a lovely St. Patrick's Day. My family always celebrates this time of year with corned beef and cabbage and I take this opportunity to teach my son Carter, who is now 12 years old, stories about our family who came from Ireland, ranchers in the southwest Montana Territory, and steel mill workers in Ohio and later in Seattle. Those stories I hope will teach him about hard work and caring for neighbors. The economy has...
The legislative process is a fast and furious one in our state. Senators and representatives only come together for 90 days every two years and we are just over halfway through our time this session. In the upcoming weeks, I strongly encourage you to visit leg.mt.gov to look up bills by any topic: education, taxes, transportation, you name it! From that website, you can email legislators who are on the committees that you might be interested in and you can also sign up to speak to any bill...
It's important to me that your voice is present at the legislature. All rural voters in Senate District 46 are invited to meet with me every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. via Zoom, and I encourage you to join us. Send me an email at ShannonforMontana@gmail.com and I'll be sure to get you the meeting link. Next week we will be half way through the legislative session. This point in the session is known as Transmittal, which means all new bills must be through the Senate in time to be discussed and...
We are just over one third into the 67th Montana State Legislative Session. Daily, I find myself thinking, "Jobs and the economy, jobs and the economy, jobs and the economy." I find it helpful to imagine people (you and yours, dear reader) in comfortable homes, sitting down after a hard day's work with plenty of food on the table, sharing stories about their day with family members. This image keeps me motivated to work hard myself and do my part to get good bills passed-bills that will be...
This week we gave the Oath of Office, promising to uphold the constitutions of the United States and Montana. This 67th Legislative Session proves to be a unique one, and as we begin, I want to thank the legislative staff who have done a tremendous job of making sure we may safely do our work. Many people have asked me what I hope to do for you all. This is my first time ever serving in the legislature, so the learning curve will be steep! That having been said, the primary answer to the...
Happy Holidays! I'll be writing in periodically with updates about our district and legislative activities. While the 67th Legislative Session for Montana won't officially begin until Jan. 4, folks have been working hard to create a safe and productive session despite the situation of COVID. The pandemic and economy are top priorities right now and we need to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly to direct help where it is most needed. I am hoping for a safe and productive legislative...
