New Year, New Legislative Session Means More Possibilities To Participate
 | Author:
Jane Gillette, Representative - Montana State Legislature
Representative - Montana State Legislature |
New Year, New Legislative Session Means More Possibilities to Participate
Jane Gillette
Representative, Montana State Legislature
As we start the new year, many of us are getting very excited about the wonderful possibilities in store for Montanans. January 6th marks the beginning of the 2025 Legislative Session. As I begin my third term, I am honored to once again be selected by the people to represent their interests in Helena. Public participation in our governmental processes, and in shaping our future, is one of the many things that make America such a great place to live!
For over a decade, our family has been proud to build our lives and home in the last best county in Montana – Broadwater County. Before me, the remarkable Representative Kelly Flynn was the last Montana State legislator from Broadwater. Being from Broadwater, I have a real-world knowledge of the pressures, especially growth, that face our county. Having received over 78% of the vote, I have heard the mandate of our community loud and clear. It is my great honor to carry that mandate to this legislative session and to work together with you to further our interests. After years of service, there’s one profound lesson I’ve learned: no one person can have ALL the answers. Each of you holds some piece of information critical to addressing our complex problems. I want to hear from you and that’s why I’m always available to you. Please contact me any time, early morning, late night, weekends or holidays. You would never be bothering me. Texting is easiest – 406.868.1549.
Everyone can – and should -- participate in the legislative process. Anyone can watch committee meetings, testify at hearings, and track bills from the drafting process all the way to signing the legislation into new law. I want to hear from my constituents about the issues that impact YOU – not lobbyists and special interest groups.
And there are some easy-to-follow tips to help you be a part of the process. You can see what bills are being introduced through this URL https://bills.legmt.gov/ and search for bills on topics that are of interest to you. Simply add into the search toolbar the topic you’re interested in (health care, taxes, land use, etc.) and you will be provided a list of 2025 bills on your topic of choice. The best part is that you can follow these bills from the drafting process all the way to becoming Montana law.
Also, all of the committee meetings are recorded so everyone who wishes to see how our laws come to fruition can watch from the comfort of home any time by visiting here: https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00309/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/20250106/-1. The agenda for the meeting and handouts that are available for that meeting are available for download.
Do you have something to say? There are a few different ways that the public can share their testimony with our lawmakers. Go to https://www.legmt.gov/participate/. You will find several processes available, including:
1. Call (406) 444-4800 and your message will be delivered to a legislator.
2. Appear in person.
3. Attend virtually. If you plan on attending a hearing virtually, please sign up to attend no later than 5PM the business day prior.
Of course, you can always contact me directly at Jane@DrJaneGillette.com or 406.868.1549.
The calendar for the upcoming meetings can be found at https://www.legmt.gov/.
Legislators are here to serve YOU. What you think and have to say is important. We need to know what matters to you and how we can keep Montana the Last Best Place!
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