Key Issues

As a strong supporter of the United States Constitution, I firmly believe in the importance of upholding the fundamental rights and liberties enshrined within its text. In particular, I hold the 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 14th Amendments in high regard, as they serve as essential pillars of our democratic society. The 1st Amendment guarantees the rights to freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, while the 2nd Amendment safeguards the right to bear arms. The 6th Amendment ensures the right to a fair and speedy trial, and the 14th Amendment guarantees equal protection under the law for all citizens. By steadfastly supporting these crucial amendments, we can preserve the values that have made our nation a beacon of hope and freedom for generations to come.

The 2nd Amendment holds immense importance for Americans, primarily for the defense against tyranny and criminal elements. As the great equalizer, firearms provide citizens with the means to protect themselves and their loved ones from harm. The right to bear arms ensures that individuals can stand up against oppression, whether it comes from a tyrannical government or criminal assailants. By upholding the 2nd Amendment, Americans maintain their ability to safeguard their liberties and secure their safety, making it a fundamental right in preserving a free and just society.

Enforcing laws as written without bias is the first duty of any government. I believe we need to buttress law enforcement, provide adequate funding and promote respect for our hard-working law enforcement officers, be they local, state or federal.

Greater government transparency is vital for fostering trust and accountability in society. By providing citizens with access to information about the budget, policies, and actions of their government and public schools, transparency ensures that the public can actively engage in the political process and hold elected officials and school boards accountable for their actions. Moreover, increased transparency serves as a powerful deterrent against corruption, as it makes it more difficult for those in power to engage in illicit activities or abuse their authority without facing public scrutiny and potential consequences.

It is crucial to maintain a judiciary that is transparent, unbiased, and committed to upholding the rule of law. Judges must be held accountable for their actions, ensuring that they adhere to the principles of fairness and impartiality in their decision-making processes. Addressing corruption within the ranks of the judiciary is essential in preserving the integrity of our legal system and restoring public trust in the institutions that govern our society.

To protect the financial well-being of Montana families, it is essential to address excessive property tax increases. Increases of 30% or more in a single year, such as those experienced in 2023, far exceed the rate of inflation and place an unsustainable burden on homeowners. Property tax bills should provide a clear, itemized breakdown of all components used in determining property valuation. For example, until last year, my husband and I continued to pay taxes on a 16' x 36' building that had been removed from our property in 1998 despite having three on-site assessor inspections. Greater transparency and accountability are needed regarding how mills are calculated and how property values are assessed.

Efforts to streamline government bureaucracy and eliminate unnecessary red tape are crucial to fostering a thriving environment for Montana families and businesses. In addition to reducing burdensome and illogical regulations, it is essential to downsize government agencies and make them more user-friendly for the public. Gov. Gianforte's initiatives to cut red tape and promote economic growth are commendable, as they aim to liberate businesses from excessive constraints and empower our citizens to pursue their dreams, create jobs, and contribute to the prosperity of our state. By downsizing government agencies and prioritizing a more approachable and efficient bureaucracy, we can further enhance the well-being of Montana families and businesses.

Eliminating unnecessary administrative positions within the school system is crucial to redirecting resources towards compensating teachers more fairly for their invaluable contributions to education. Teachers unions should prioritize being cooperative and beneficial to their members, the educators who dedicate themselves to the education and growth of future generations. Furthermore, empowering parents to choose the school that best fits their child's needs, with their tax dollars following the child, fosters a competitive environment where schools must continually strive to provide the highest quality education in order to attract students. This comprehensive approach aims to create a more efficient and effective educational system that benefits both teachers and students alike.

Election integrity is of paramount importance in any democratic society, as it ensures that the will of the people is accurately represented and respected. Implementing voter ID requirements is a crucial step in safeguarding the electoral process, as it helps prevent voter fraud and maintains the legitimacy of election results. By enforcing voter laws, we can bolster public confidence in the electoral system, protect the sanctity of each citizen's vote, and ultimately uphold the core values of our Constitutional Republic.