PLATFORM
"I am not a politician. I am a compassionate public servant. My forty year career as a nurse in a small community hospital enabled me to help others in their time of greatest need. I held the hands of many dear friends as they gave birth to a child, as they recovered from an illness, and as they transitioned out of this world. I am incredibly blessed to continue being of service to others and learning how to represent Montanans the best I can."
LIST OF ISSUES
Accessible and Affordable Health Services
Health care is a fundamental human right. All Montanans deserve the security of accessible, affordable health care during their time of need.
Health care is a multi-dimensional service; including body and mind. It is important to include access to fresh, vibrant, nutritious food and the means to learn how to prepare healthy meals; routine physical exercise whether through gym membership, personal trainer, or self-guided; and a robust network of providers that include traditional Western medicine and non-traditional medicine as well as mental health services.
In addition, elderly Montanans need to have access to local assisted living facilities so that they may remain a part of their communities. Being able to remain within the community you have lived all of your life is incredibly important emotionally as we age. Montanans deserve access to all the resources that support a vibrant high quality life.
If the Covid-19 epidemic has taught us anything it is that we need to be prepared and able to readily provide services to those in need. Rural hospitals need to be supported and their doors open for the communities they serve. Likewise, rural ambulance services need to be supported to maintain up to date qualifications and supplies; enabling them to be the first line of care before people reach the nearest hospital.
As your representative I will work to ensure rural health services are adequately funded, staffed, and supported. I will listen to rural health care providers and those who seek health services. Your voice and concerns will be at the table.
Public Lands In Public Hands
People visit Montana for the public lands. People move to Montana for the public lands. Generations remain in Montana for the public lands. The vast expanse of National Forests, National Parks, National Recreation Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, State Parks, and State Lands in Montana are a treasure that belongs to all people and needs to be protected for future generations.
Public lands support vibrant wildlife and fish populations, clean water and air, as well as our heritage of outdoor recreation. Public lands fuel many rural economies by attracting out-of-state vacationers who want to experience our great lifestyle. We enjoy a high quality of life, ample space to explore and adventure, because we have access to public lands.
Public land management has no place for corporations and wealthy trust funds. Public lands belong to the public and future generations. I will work to make sure public access is maintained to State lands and rivers, cooperative agreements are created to access land locked parcels, ample funding is directed to acquiring more public lands, and their are many opportunities for Montana youth to experience public lands.
As your representative I will make sure your voice is at the tab
Clean, Affordable, and Renewable Energy
The big picture of future energy needs...Montana is perfectly poised to lead the transition to clean, affordable, and renewable energy. Renewable energy is a broad spectrum of resources including solar pv, solar water heating, wind, micro-hydro, biomass, geothermal, and tidal/wave energy. This is an incredible economic opportunity for rural Montana communities to diversify their economies, create quality high paying jobs, increase energy independence and resilience. Investing in clean, affordable, and renewable energy is investing in the future of Montana.
Renewable energy companies need to receive the same level of support and funding that coal, oil, and gas companies have. People interested in creating a renewable energy company need to have access to loans and grants, and need to know the State of Montana supports the development of a robust renewable energy portfolio. Communities struggling with rising energy costs need to know the State of Montana supports diversifying their energy infrastructure and will provide financial aid to do so. Poor and low-wage workers need to know they will be included in the development of renewable energy resources whether through community supported systems to acquire infrastructure or educational opportunities to be employed in the new economy.
As your representative I will work to ensure our communities are at the forefront of the renewable energy economy
Food Sovereingty
Access to affordable, locally produced, healthy, and nutritious food is a human right. All Montanans deserve to know that they can get food when they need it, in their local community. In addition, all Montana food producers deserve to know that there is a market for their products locally.
If the Covid-19 epidemic has taught us anything it is that food systems that are dependent solely on outside sources can easily be disrupted and inflation costs associated with oil and gas prices can make food acquisition cost prohibitive. In order to ensure the food needs of all Montanans are meet we need to increase local food production capacity and affordability.
Farm 2 School is an incredible program that is designed to improve student access to quality foods, provide education opportunities through school gardens, cooking lessons, and field trips to farms all the while supporting local food producers. By funding local schools to acquire local agricultural products we can keep more money in our communities. This initiative is a great way to strengthen local economies and contribute to vibrant communities.
As your representative I will work to ensure local farmers and ranchers have the support to develop and market their products locally.
