I wasn’t born here. And I don’t begrudge anyone who wants to come and live in the most beautiful place in the country. But I have owned property here for over 35 years, and after a decade of living here full-time, I consider myself a local.

We are in the middle of a housing crisis, and I am committed to finding a way to make it more available and affordable for locals.

My idea is to create a system that compels owners and landlords to offer housing exclusively to locals for the first 30 days on the market. This would level the playing field and protect us from getting outbid by outsiders.

This may make too much sense for politics, but how about we put a cap on property taxes based on what you earn, not what your home is worth?

My home is worth more than it was when I bought it in 1988, and I certainly wouldn’t be able to afford it now. But we shouldn’t be penalized for being smart (or just plain lucky!) I propose that the state steps in and limits the property tax increase if it exceeds a set percentage of household income. So no one gets taxed out of their home.

Medicaid in Montana is working, but not for everyone. First of all, you need to be making less than 22k/yr as a single person, 44k as a family of 4. Those numbers are ridiculously unrealistic, especially now that private insurance premiums have skyrocketed. If you’re like me, you fall right between making too much and not enough.

The federal government will only help states up to a certain point, but we can help subsidize private plans and expand specific programs like mental health and pregnancy care.

You just got done taking care of your kids, and suddenly you’re taking care of your parents.

Nothing prepared me for this. About ten years ago my mom started showing signs of dementia; I moved in when she couldn’t be alone anymore, but I had to hire helpers for when I couldn’t be with her. Dementia requires full-time caregiving for folks who don't understand why they can’t do the things they’ve always done (drive… clean the gutters… chop wood!)

Medicare considers this type of care “custodial” and does not cover it; Medicaid will pay for a state facility only after all assets are liquidated, which flies in the face of the generational homesteading that is the heart and soul of Montana.

I propose that the state provide direct stipends and/or tax credits to family members caring for loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s, allowing them to age at home, not in the care of the state.