Working for you

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 session, although I'm not sure what that will look like yet!

All legislators convened in Helena (or remotely on Zoom) Nov. 18-19 to vote in House and Senate Leadership and begin discussions to appoint legislators to committees. I encourage you to follow the session, watch hearings and give testimony by going to the leg.mt website. Click on "Watch and Listen" to find hearings and "Committees" to view committee assignments. You are always welcome to call me on my cell at 406-274-3805 or email me at shannonformontana@gmail.com and I'll do my best to address your questions, ideas and concerns.

I've been attending community council meetings to continue to learn about the issues that matter. I'm making lots of phone calls to folks in the community and reaching out to state senators on both sides of the aisle. I'm hoping to go into this job with an open mind-focusing on our similarities, not our differences.

Two items of note:

• I learned about recent concerns about removal of banner frames on lamp posts in Seeley Lake and was able to contact MT Department of Transportation leadership who are now addressing that issue. I'll keep you posted. It looks likely they will be able to attend our next Seeley Lake Community Council Meeting to discuss this issue, Salmon Lake construction and other questions.

• I've also had conversations with folks lately about traffic safety and speed limits. Please reach out to me if you have specific concerns about these issues.

Whether you voted for me or not, it is important to me that I represent you well. I am forever grateful and honored to be serving you in this position and look forward to staying in touch. Stay healthy and safe, and blessings to you and your friends and family throughout the holiday season.

Best regards, Shannon