Looking to the 68th legislative session

The 90-day marathon of issues and opportunities that will be the 2023 legislative session begins in two weeks. On the unique opportunity front, the excess federal stimulus dollars from D.C. fueled a large one- time surplus of state funds. I advocate treating these funds as a Montana business or homeowner would: 1) First, pay off expensive debt, 2) put some money away for a rainy day, 3) invest in key infrastructure for the future (roads, water, sewer, mental health facilities, nursing homes, schools …) and, 4) return some to the taxpayer. A blended refund, reserve, repay, and invest plan serves current and future Montanans best.

North-central Montana has small schools, small hospitals, small businesses, an ag-based economy and a libertarian streak. A ride home and a pull out of the snowbank is the norm. Funds are raised for those in need and the frail are looked after. This area, while Republican-leaning, is not hyper-partisan; solutions are the expectation, not soundbites. Here civility and respect still live.

Respect in politics is listening to those I represent so I can bring their concerns forward. Respect requires that I consider the needs of other representatives from across Montana. The recipe for civility is simple — listen to understand, believe better is possible, and do what you say you’re going to do when you say you’re going to do it. Civility in politics is possible. We can disagree without being disrespectful, and we can seek common ground. When combined, civility and respects are base ingredients for true Montana successes. As a founding member of the Solutions Caucus, I try always to walk this path by insisting hyper-partisan D.C. chaos remain in D.C. As your representative, I promise to continue to put your needs first, even if this upsets the party cabal.

Some social issues: I am adopted and thus prolife. For me, prolife means investing in life, considering items such as adoption credits, affordable health care for pregnant women, and health care and education for young children. Boys should not play girls sports; it is genetically unfair. Personally, I do not care what bathrooms people use if locking options are available for those that do care. Courts should be as apolitical as possible in this political world. And, while not making it overly difficult to vote or count votes, we must ensure that our elections have integrity.

Some other key issues: I continue to focus on enhancing student opportunities. Career technical internships, dual credit, personalized instruction, and a respected well educated teacher force are the key ingredients of the best performing systems. Our mental health system is broken, and 11 nursing homes are bankrupt. We have growing public safety challenges linked to drug abuse. And we certainly have water, sewer, bridge, and road challenges to address. Better is possible.

Please contact me with your concerns or ideas. Thank you for allowing me to be your voice.

Merry Christmas,

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Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, represents House District 18 in the Montana Legislature.