Jobs and economy

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 beneficial for you and your families.

Some of the issues I hear from constituents about most frequently include ensuring that essential services, like schools, law enforcement and fire service are protected. Last week, in Senate Taxation Committee Hearings, I sat through a handful of bills that would significantly reduce taxes for the wealthiest Montanans and create very little benefit for the working class.

I'm not going to sugarcoat this: I was disappointed and very discouraged. I thought mostly about the vital services that would be cut, like mental healthcare, roads, schools and law enforcement. I'm also concerned about funding being cut to expand broadband to make sure that students and families can get on to their computers to get their work done.

I'm in this role to stand up for the working class. I'll fight those tax cuts for the rich and this week I am introducing bills to address the childcare crisis. Approximately 50% of our working families cannot find childcare, due to a dire shortage of spaces available. Those families that do find childcare are paying $900-$1,000 per month for full time care-that's more than university tuition! Montana taxpayers lost $32 million in 2019 alone because people aren't able to go back to work due to the childcare crisis. We need those people to be able to go back to work if they want to.

As the legislative session continues, I will keep you and your families at the forefront with every bill I consider. I'm more committed than ever to ensuring that the bills we pass work for all Montanans, not just the wealthiest among us.

I welcome your input at every stage in the process. As always, you can reach me at ShannonforMontana@gmail.com and/or my cell at 406-274-3805.