Legislative Advocacy Workshop Held in Townsend
Author: mt43news staff reporter
Legislative Advocacy Workshop Held in Townsend
MT43 News Reporter
It’s never too early to brush up on your skills as a strong voice for your interests at the Montana Legislature, coming up in January 2027. Last week, Montana Farmers’ Union representatives held a legislative advocacy training at the Lodge.
Outreach Coordinator Bella Folino walked workshop attendees through the Legislative website, including how to reach your representative and the procedure for sending letters, emails, as well as direct contact through phone messages to the heads of committees. She pointed out that the legislature continues between sessions in interim committees. Many of the bills from those committees are the basis of the work of the following legislature.
Regarding the work of interim committees, District 77 Representative Jane Gillette discussed data centers and how Montana’s water and electricity will be affected by them. Interim committee members are concerned about developers’ plans. There are no laws on the books now so they can actually do what they want. “It is not a transparent situation right now,” she said.
In a PowerPoint presentation, Folino continued to explain where to find bill information and the status of each bill. Should the user not know which district they live in, she pointed out the district map as well as where to find the correct representative or senator for that district.
Among other avenues for an interested voter to keep informed is through watching and participating in committee meetings. There are strict rules for testimony presented both in person and over Zoom. Some of the most effective communications can be done by sending a message to your legislator by phone. Just leave a message with the operator. “That communication can be very productive because someone will return the call so you can talk directly to your legislator," she said.
Other good ways to further a subject a voter is interested in is through letters to the editor. Most papers limit letters to 250 words. “Make your case clear with facts and close with a clear ask of what you want to happen,” she explained.
Executive Director Rachel Prevost presented Montana Farm Union’s points on their various platforms, which include County of Origin labeling (COOL), farmers and ranchers' right to repair their equipment, fair access to health care for farmers and ranchers and prioritizing producer-owned cooperatives to feed Montanans with food produced in the state.
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PhotoCredit: Rachael Prevost, Executive Director of Montana Farmers Union
Image 1 Caption: Bella Folino, Montana Farmer's Union affairs and outreach coordinator, leads a discussion about use of the Montana Legislative Website at a workshop last week.
Photo Provided: Rachael Prevost, Executive Director of Montana Farmers Union
