What the Helena

Welcome to another week of What the Helena! As we barrel toward transmittal, bills are flying through the legislative process at baffling rates and we're all trying our best to keep up. We're thrilled to report that, since the recording of this episode, SB 441, the attempt at reviving the Ballot Interference Protection Act, seems to have died a quiet, uneventful death. Take that, zombie! Want more information about how to contact your legislators, testify on bills, and otherwise engage with this fast-and-furious process? Check out our Legislative Resource Guide! You can view the full What the Helena newsletter along with this week's calls to action here. Forward Montana is on Instagram and Twitter @forward_montana; find us online at forwardmontana.org What the Helena is hosted by Forward Montana's Advocacy Team and edited by Cassidy Reeves.

This week, our Senior Organizing Manager Lyla Brown chatted with Meshayla Cox, the Founder and Principal Consultant at CoEquity Consulting. Meshayla and Lyla talked about SB 222, the state's unwillingness to grapple with an authentic version of history, and their hopes for a more honest and equitable future. Check out the full What the Helena newsletter and all of this week's calls to action at this link. Join us in Bozeman on March 11 for the Montana Youth Organizing Summit! Looking for more tips and tricks for how to be involved in the legislative session? We've got you covered! This episode was hosted by Forward Montana's Advocacy Team and our Senior Organizing Manager, Lyla Brown! What the Helena is edited by Cassidy Reeves.

This week in the session brought some exciting housing bills, threats to democracy, and (more) attacks on trans kids. We had the opportunity to sit down with Senator Pat Flowers to talk about his defense of Montana's trans youth, his take on the current political environment, and advice for other state legislators and everyday folks who are watching these anti-trans bills unfold.  You can view all of our time-sensitive calls to action and check out the full What the Helena newsletter at this link. Join us in Bozeman on March 11th for the Montana Youth Organizing Summit: No Place Like (A) Home! RSVP here.   Stay in touch with Forward Montana on Instagram and Twitter @forward_montana, and TikTok @forwardmontana. Learn more about us at forwardmontana.org. This episode was hosted by Forward Montana's Issue Advocacy Team and edited by Cassidy Reeves.

This week, we got to sit down with Martha Furman, the former director of Imagine IF libraries in the Flathead. We talked about book bans, censorship, access to information, and more!  February always has us drowning in the good, the bad, and the ugly bills. To see which ones we're asking folks to take action on (and how), head to this link! Remember - you can find step-by-step instructions for sending messages and giving public comment in our resource guide. Join us in Bozeman on March 11 for the Montana Youth Organizing Summit: No Place Like (A) Home, where we’ll talk about all things housing in Montana! There’s no cost to attend, and limited lodging and travel assistance is available for folks who RSVP by February 10. This episode was hosted by Forward Montana's Advocacy Team and edited by Cassidy Reeves. 

We've made it a whole month into the legislative session, and y'all have shown TF up for the things that matter to you. We can't thank you enough! This week, we talk money, freedom, trans rights, and more. Check out the full What the Helena newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates straight to your inbox at this link. No matter when you're listening to this episode, you can find all of this week's time-sensitive calls-to-action there, too! We know the session moves fast, and it can be hard to know how and when to be involved. To find all of our tips, tricks, and resources in one place, check out our brand new Legislative Session Resource Guide!  Watch Sen. Susan Webber's in her opening statement where she talked about her own experience as a boarding school survivor...watch here. You can follow Forward Montana on Instagram and Twitter @forward_montana (check out our live-tweeting from the SB 99 hearing on Friday!) and on TikTok @forwardmontana. Learn more about us at forwardmontana.org.  This episode was hosted by Izzy Milch and Kat Elam, and edited by Cassidy Reeves.

In this week's episode, we talk about all kinds of power grabs: book bans, invasions of privacy, and decidedly undemocratic hearings. Plus, a special interview with Former Representative Mallerie Stromswold, one of the state's youngest elected officials who resigned her seat in the legislature last week.   Find out who your representatives are and how to contact them at this link. Then, ask them to support efforts to address Montana's crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People by voting YES on HB 163 and HB 18.  Send the House Judiciary Committee a message opposing HB 234 at this link.  You can follow Forward Montana on Instagram and Twitter @forward_montana, and on TikTok at @forwardmontana. Learn more about us at forwardmontana.org.   This episode of What the Helena is hosted by Forward Montana’s advocacy team, with featured guest Mallerie Stromswold. This episode was edited by Cassidy Reeves.

As we wrap up the second week of the legislative session, our lawmakers’ priorities are starting to crystallize. While these priorities fluctuate wildly from legislator to legislator, one thing’s for certain *Smash Mouth voice*: the bills start comin’ and they don’t stop comin’.  Don't have time to listen, but want to take action? Head to this link to check out our top 4 action items for the week! Join us in Helena on January 20 for Protect Our Home: A Climate Advocacy Day! RSVP here, and we'll see you there! Check out this article from Helena's KVTH about Gov. Gianforte's Red Tape Relief Plan and HB64.  Send a message in support of HB 163, which would extend the state's Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force, at this link. Sign up at this link to give testimony or send a written comment in support of HB 233 - run, don't walk! You only have until 5PM on Monday to sign up. Use this form to send the DPHHS a message opposing their functional ban on abortion for Medicaid recipients, or send them an email at hhsadminrules@mt.gov! You can follow Forward Montana on Instagram and Twitter @forward_montana, and on TikTok @forwardmontana! Learn more about us at forwardmontana.org.  This episode of What the Helena is hosted by Izzy Milch and Kat Elam, and edited by Cassidy Reeves.

Well, folks, we’ve made it through the first week of the 2023 legislative session! Buckle in, friends; this session’s going to be a wild one. Toplines for this episode: rules fights, harm reduction, Indigenous justice, and, already, attacks on transgender youth. Links mentioned in the episode: Join us on January 20th for Protect Our Home: A Climate Advocacy Day-- RSVP at this link, and we’ll see you there! Find out who your representatives are and how to contact them at this link: https://leg.mt.gov/map/ Read Dr. Shaawano Chad Uran's article on tribal sovereignty here: https://indiancountrytoday.com/archive/professor-breaks-down-sovereignty-and-explains-its-significance Learn more about fentanyl exposure and the police-generated hysteria around it here: https://healthandjusticejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40352-021-00163-5 Send the Senate Judiciary Committee a message urging them to vote NO on SB 99 at this link: https://secure.everyaction.com/cFi2jFNEBUqL84J6sNRCfg2 Sign up for our NO on SB 99 phone and text bank here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdb2wpv547CrcgS5ggKaVwOqcqWc11BSZG19WgNJCAGmNqa2w/viewform Finally, you can sign up to get What the Helena delivered to your inbox every week at https://forwardmontana.org/what-the-helena/ Stay up-to-date with all things Forward Montana on Instagram and Twitter @forward_montana, and on TikTok @forwardmontana!

This week, we sat down with Representative-Elect Jonathan Karlen, who's getting ready to start his first term as the representative of Missoula County's House District 96. We chat about his experience running for office in one of Montana's most competitive districts, finding common ground with folks across the political spectrum, and how Montana's political landscape informed his campaign and his plans for the 2023 legislative session. The next time we talk to y'all, it will be to report out on the first week of the session!  You can follow Forward Montana on Instagram and Twitter @forward_montana, and on TikTok @forwardmontana, or find us online at forwardmontana.org.  What the Helena is hosted and edited by Izzy Milch. The cover art for What the Helena was designed by Angie Hoàng. 

As the dust settles from the 2022 election and we anxiously await the start of the legislative session, we thought we'd take a beat and reflect on the work we did this election cycle, our hot takes and lessons learned, and what it all means for the future of Montana. Here to chat through these big questions are Forward Montana's Executive Director, Kiersten Iwai, and our Director of Voter Engagement, Courtney Smith!

As we barrel toward the 2022 midterm election, you may be asking: WTH are these ballot initiatives? Where did they come from? How would they affect Montana? Great questions! To help us demystify LR-131 and C-48, we called in Hillary-Anne Crosby from the No LR-131 Campaign and Montana State Senator JP Pomnichowski.  To learn more about what's on your ballot and check out our independent, nonpartisan voter guide, head to forwardmontana.org/voterhub/. Read the full text of HB 167, the bill that led to LR-131, at this link: https://leg.mt.gov/bills/2021/billpdf/HB0167.pdf Hear the stories of families and healthcare providers who would be affected by LR-131 at NoLR131.org. As always, you can find Forward Montana on Instagram and Twitter @forward_montana, and on Tiktok @forwardmontana.  What the Helena is hosted and edited by Izzy Milch. The cover art for What the Helena was created by Angie Hoàng. 

First things first, rest assured: Montana’s legislature is not, in fact, in session (yet). BUT, the consequences of the messy AF 2021 Legislative Session (and the lawsuits it triggered) are still reverberating through the state. That’s why we decided to relaunch What the Helena. Here’s what we’ve got in store for you with this relaunch: an exclusive conversation with Rylee Sommers-Flanagan, the Executive Director of Upper Seven Law and one of the incredible lawyers representing Forward Montana Foundation in our voting rights lawsuit against the state. We talk about the importance of youth leadership, the shadiness of last-minute lawmaking, and what it’s been like to fight the state’s attempts to keep young people away from the ballot box. You can find Upper Seven Law on Twitter @UpperSevenLaw, and online at www.uppersevenlaw.com. You can find Forward Montana on Instagram at Twitter @forward_montana, on Tiktok @forwardmontana, and online at forwardmontana.org (where you can find the job descriptions for our open positions!).  This episode was hosted and edited by Izzy Milch. The cover art for What the Helena was designed by Angie Hoàng.

Well, friends, we did it. The session is over, the Capitol building is eerily empty, and we're all ready for a several-month-long nap. Before we crawl into bed, we thought we'd leave you with this: a very short, very giggly conversation with our legislative organizing team. To learn more about what happened this session and where we stand now, read our wrap-up issue of What the Helena.  Be sure to follow us on Instagram for updates on where we go from here. Now, take a break. Recoup. Then, we keep fighting. 

Well, friends, we made it. The legislative session has come to a close. All that's left to do is make one last round of phone calls to Governor Gianforte before we pack up, regroup, and continue the work in our communities. This is our final regular episode, but tune in next week for one last hurrah, where we'll talk about what things look like for us moving forward-- featuring some very, very special guests. Thanks for coming on this wild ride with us-- we'll miss ya. Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode: NO to HB112 NO to HB506, HB651, and HB530. If you've enjoyed What the Helena and want to support us in continuing this work, consider making a donation. 

Well folks, we've reached the point in the session where lots of bills, most of them bad, are being signed into law. BUT! There's still time to make your voice heard on some VERY important issues. Today, we're bringing you updates on the last big pushes before the end of the session to protect trans Montanans, tribal sovereignty, and corporate accountability. We're so close; let's finish strong! Check out this list of Montana housing resources, and connect with the Montana Housing Coalition to keep working towards an affordable future. Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode:  NO to HB112 and SB280 NO to HB651 NO to SB214 NO to HB695 NO to SB399 and SB159

We are THRILLED to bring you some exciting news about big bad bills going down! Of course, there's still work to do: we also have updates on voting rights attacks, tax codes, NorthWestern Energy trickery, and which bills are awaiting their fate on the Governor's desk. Plus, climate organizer Eliza Donahue and FMT intern Brianna Shadle interview David Samollow from Earthtone Outside MT about working to create space and community for people of color in Montana's great outdoors.  Sign up to submit artwork to our collaborative economic justice project by the end of the day today! Check out the upcoming protest at the Capitol against the anti-trans sports ban, HB112. Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode: NO to HB651 NO to SB399 Thank your senator for voting NO on SB100 NO to SB379 NO to HB273, HB481, and HB576 Thank your senator for voting NO on HB244

We are coming at you with another very special, very important episode! As if this legislative session weren't wild enough, we are now witnessing an unprecedented attempt from Republicans to undermine the nonpartisanship and power of the Montana judiciary. The courts exist to check the power of the executive and legislative branches. If that power check is jeopardized, we could find ourselves (and our rights) in some very sticky situations. Rep. Laurie Bishop joined us to discuss the details of what's going down in Helena, and what's at stake for all Montanans. 

It's no secret that cities and towns across Montana are experiencing an affordable housing crisis. In this very special bonus episode, Forward Montana intern David Ailanjian interviews Missoula City Councilperson Heidi West about some of the tools local government has to address this problem, as well as the challenges posed by this legislative session. 

Well, folks, we've reached a new milestone in the legislative session: it's time to add the Governor's office to your speed dial. We've got updates for you on anti-trans legislation, ballot initiatives, and more. PLUS, a very special interview with Hermina Harold, the director of Trust Montana, conducted by FMT intern, David Ailanjian! They get into current affordable housing efforts in Montana and what the path to an equitable housing future might look like. Tune in for a bonus episode on Wednesday to hear from David and Heidi West, Missoula City Councilperson, and learn more about local governments' affordable housing tools! Submit to our LGBTQ2S+ Zine! Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode: NO to HB112, HB427, SB215, and SB280 NO to HB259, HB401, HB402, HB439, and HB541 NO to SB100 NO to HB651 NO to HB176 and HB169 NO to HB448 NO to SB379 NO to HB632

Comin' at you this week with all the usual suspects: voter suppression, student debt, threats to healthcare access, and continued attacks on trans Montanans. As we speed toward the end of the session, more and more bills are making their way to the Governor's desk. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for all the most up-to-date calls to action! Coming up: Tuesday, April 6 -- Join us and some of our partners for a virtual Public Lands Rally from 12-1pm. We’ll hear short speeches from Conrad Anker (climber, mountaineer, & author), Francine Spang-Willis (board member, Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation), Rachel Schmidt (former director, Office of MT Outdoor Recreation), and Andrew Posewitz (sportsman & hunting ethics advocate). And we’ll remind our legislators to protect the lands we love. If you identify as LGBTQ2S+, consider submitting art, writing, or a letter of support to our upcoming zine by April 9th. If you need to be with other trans folks right now or if you are a parent of a trans, nonbinary, or Two Spirit child and want to talk with people who understand, email paxton@mhrn.org for information about support groups facilitated by the Montana Gender Alliance. If there is other support you need and can’t find, or if you have dreams for what community support could look like moving forward, contact Izzy at izzy@forwardmontana.org. Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode! NO to HB176 and SB169 NO to HB689 NO to SB100 and HB676 NO to HB481 NO to SB379

It seems like we say this every week, but we've got a LOT to talk about! From the American Rescue Plan Act, to Montana's budget debates, to moral panics and more, we've got all the updates for you. Plus, a conversation with climate superheroes Anne Hedges and Conor Ploeger from the Montana Environmental Information Center about energy and environmental legislation to watch.  Upcoming events: Monday, March 29 -- Join the MT chapter of the Sierra club for a virtual phone bank -- we’ll be calling our communities about HB481, a bill to add severe penalties for fossil fuel protest Tuesday, April 6 -- Join us and many of our partners for a virtual Public Lands Rally Bills in this episode: NO to HB176 NO to SB169 NO to HB406 NO to HB651 NO to SB379 NO to HB112 and HB427 NO to SB215 and SB280 NO to HB273 NO to HB475 and HB576 YES! to HB654

Folks, we have a LOT to talk about this week. In this episode, we get into the legislature's decorum debate, a big bad law-and-order bill, the "personhood amendment," hate-based legislation, and MORE. Plus, we chat with Forward Montana's Flathead Lead Organizer, Brian, about organizing in the time of COVID-19, anti-vaxxers, homeoprophylaxis (what?!), and legislative attacks to public health.  Events this week: Tuesday, March 23 -- Voting Rights Happy Hour Wednesday, March 24 -- Climate Justice and Public Lands Happy Hour Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode! NO to HB337 NO to SB280 NO to SB220 NO to SB260 NO to SB201 and SB237 NO to HB176 NO to HB406 NO to HB112 and HB427

As we launch into the second half of the legislative session, there are still plenty of bills on the chopping block. In this episode, we cover updates on discriminatory "religious freedom" bills, the Native American Voting Rights Act, Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, and (more) bills benefiting only the wealthiest Montanans. PLUS, we talk with Laura Terrill from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana about her hopes, fears, and what this session could mean for reproductive healthcare in the state. If you already read our written newsletter and want to jump straight to this interview, skip to 12:30! UPCOMING EVENTS: March 15 - Rainbow Rally at the Capitol (masks required!) March 16- We’re Here, We’re Queer, We’re Really F*cking Tired - a space for LGBTQ+ Montanans to vent, dream, and plan together March 17 - Town Hall with Rep. Alice Buckley and Rep. Emma Kerr Carpenter  To support Indigenous-led organizations doing the work to address our state's MMIP epidemic, check out MMIP Montana Reporting, Sisters United, Western Native Voice, or the Snowbird Fund. Follow these links to take action on all of the bills mentioned this week: MMIP bills No to SB159 No to HB259 No to SB182 No to SB215 & SB172

We have a very special midweek episode for you! While the legislature takes its transmittal break, FMT climate geniuses Madison and Eliza are talking all things climate justice with Lila Waters and Lucy Hochschartner from Gallatin County's Sunrise Movement. You don't wanna miss this one.  Follow Gallatin County's Sunrise Movement on Instagram.

We're rapidly approaching the halfway point of this legislative session, and things are WILD in Helena. Headlines this week include the good, the bad, and the ugly of voting rights, First Amendment encroachments, and housing bills galore. Stick around for a teaser of a very special upcoming bonus episode: a conversation with Lila and Lucy from Gallatin County's Sunrise Movement, facilitated by FMT's very own climate superstars, Madison and Eliza! Catch the full interview this Wednesday.  RSVP here to attend our Town Hall with Representatives Alice Buckley and Emma Kerr-Carpenter this Tuesday! To check how your representative voted on HB320, click here; if they voted NO, send them a quick thank-you! Send Sen. Chris Pope a virtual high-five for his climate advocacy. Send messages to representatives and committees here. 

We're comin' at ya this week with updates on the slew of anti-LGBTQ bills moving through the legislature, attempts to define who is welcome on the stolen land that is Montana, problematic bison bills, and more. But don't worry, it's not ALL bad news! We also get to talk about a GOOD tax bill, plus a legislator who's going above and beyond to keep their constituents in the loop this session.  Donate to mutual aid networks in Texas and follow our affiliate, MOVE Texas, to support folks on the ground. Send your legislators a message here.  Check out Montana Wilderness Association’s slick one-click tool to send your representatives a message to keep public lands in public hands. See Montana Audubon’s action alert on these tricky bison bills. Donate to the InterTribal Buffalo Council to support tribal bison restoration! Subscribe to Rep. Kelly Kortum's weekly newsletter! Follow us on Instagram for all the most up-to-date action alerts. Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860 - A confidential, 24/7 hotline to talk with a trans peer TrevorLifeline: (866) 488-7386 - For LGBTQ+ folks to talk to a trained counselor, available 24/7

It may be sub-zero in Montana right now, but it's getting HOT in Helena! If you thought we were coming in with candy hearts and sweet nothings, think again, lovebugs. This week, we talk voter suppression (STILL!), tribal sovereignty, and tax cuts for the rich (booooo!). Plus, an interview with Keaton Sunchild from Western Native Voice, where we talked about some of the barriers to voting that Indigenous people in Montana face. -Xoxo, FMT.  Send a message to your legislators here.  Sign this petition to speak out against irresponsible budget cuts! Follow Western Native Voice on Twitter and Facebook. Check out some of the organizations leading the fight against suicide and gun violence: Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action Montana, and Suffer Out Loud Montana. The number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-TALK. Follow us on Instagram for all the most up-to-date action alerts. 

On this week's episode, we dive into the incessant attacks on voting rights, energy monopolies, and a sneaky attempt to revive the death penalty. Plus, we'll talk about some folks who are fighting the good fight for Indigenous Peoples' Day in Montana! Featuring a very special guest appearance from the voices behind What the Helena: Forward Montana's legislative team!  Follow us on Instagram for all the most up-to-date calls to action!

This week, we get to bring you some GOOD NEWS! Plus, updates on voting rights, student debt, MMIP, and right-to-work legislation. Derek Hitt of the Missoula Carpenters Union and Central Labor Council and James Burrows of the Montana AFL-CIO join us for the lowdown on workers' rights and union power. Solidarity forever! Drop your legislators a line here.  Follow the Indigenous Organizers Collective on Facebook. Sign up for our Helena Huddle, taking place February 4th from 6-7pm! Follow us on Instagram for the most up-to-date calls to action.

This week, we talk reproductive rights, voting access, (good!) climate bills, and, AGAIN, attacks on trans kids. Plus, we hear from Steven-Bear Twoteeth, Maris Fessenden, and August Payton about their experiences with community, identity, and being transgender in Montana. You don't wanna miss it.  Follow the Indigenous Organizers Collective.  Drop your legislators a message at http://leg.mt.gov/web-messaging/.  Follow us on Instagram @forward_montana for all the most up-to-date calls to action. 

What a week! On this episode of "What the Helena," we talk concealed carry, equality for transgender youth, reproductive health, voting rights, and MORE. Plus, we get the lowdown on the budget from Montana Budget and Policy Center co-director, Heather O'Loughlin. Spoiler alert: the budget is, like, SUPER important!   Care about reproductive healthcare? (Trick question, of course you do!) Contact your Representative ASAP at 406-444-4800 or drop them a line here, urging them to vote NO on HB136, HB171, HB140, and HB167. If you're interested in submitting public comment on HB102, the bill that would allow concealed carry on campuses, contact Grace: grace@forwardmontana.org.  You can subscribe to the written version of our "What the Helena" newsletter here.  For all our most up-to-date calls to action, follow us on Instagram @forward_montana

Hot on the heels of the first week of the 67th Montana State Legislative Session, we're checking in to update you on the legislature's COVID-19 response, and we'll put some important bills on your radar. Topics include: attacks on trans youth, guns on campus, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. Plus, House Minority Leader Rep. Kim Abbott answers burning questions about democratic approaches to this session, how to be involved, and whether she prefers Bozeman or Missoula!  Don’t know who your representatives are? Find out here.  Follow the work of the Indigenous Organizer’s Collective.  Follow us on Instagram @forward_montana to see all of our action alerts.

"What the Helena" is an upcoming podcast from Forward Montana that will explain exactly what's going on in the 2021 Montana State Legislature and how it affects young Montanans. Weekly episodes will summarize the news from the Capitol and tell listeners how to make their voices heard.  Learn more about us at forwardmontana.org