In order to pass good legislation important to the people of Montana or prevent the passage of harmful legislation, Republican State Senators and Representatives will have to be persuaded by the voters.
That means YOU!
And all Legislators need to be thanked when they do the right thing.
You can call, write, email, fax. And, when a bill you care about is before a committee or about to hit the floor of the Montana House or the Senate, encourage everyone you know to do the same. All legislators read and listen to the messages they receive from home, so your messages matter and have impact. Contact your representatives, and in the case where a bill is in committee, contact committee members as well.
For information about what is going on in the House and Senate every day, please check this link. https://leg.mt.gov/session/. For regular updates on bills we are particularly tracking, subscribe on the Get Involved page.
Explore the state legislature’s website to learn what a bill actually says and its current status. Look at The Copper Book to learn more about each legislator. For a deeper dive, watch a hearing and/or House or Senate session to see how bills are handled and what role your district’s legislators are playing. Then sign up to testify by written comment or Zoom and/or send your testimony to your intended recipient(s).
To send a public comment or additionally testify in-person or on Zoom, go to https://leg.mt.gov/public-testimony/. Remember that you need to submit your request to testify and/or your written testimony by 5 p.m. the day before the hearing on the bill. Don’t hesitate at any time to write directly to your representatives on a committee or who will be voting on a bill when it reaches the House or the Senate. The more they know your opinion, the better.
If you have a personal story or unique knowledge to support or oppose the legislation, share that information. The less “canned” your testimony, the more likely it will be considered by your legislator as serious input.
Then, when someone does what you ask, remember to thank them and keep the lines of communication open.
You can leave a message for any Senator or Representative by calling 406-444-4800. You can send them a fax at 406-444-4875.
Mail to state Senators should be directed to them by name at:
State Senator (his or her name)
State Capitol Building
P.O. Box 200500
Helena MT 59620-0500
Mail to state Representatives should be directed to them by name at:
State Representative (his or her name)
State Capitol Building
P.O. Box 200400
Helena MT 59620-0400
Also, do not hesitate to contact other government leaders like the Governor and Lieutenant Governor directly through their websites, as well as Legislative leaders of both parties. As a citizen and a voter, you hold the power.