Libby resident takes issue with banner

I am writing in response to a big red and white banner: PROTECT OUR CHILDREN VOTE REPUBLICAN.

Here are three proposed 2021 MT laws:https://leg.mt.gov.

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION

House Bill 369 would have made 5% of the taxes on alcohol purchases available as grants to smaller Montana school districts to make it possible for them to participate in a school-based mental health promotion and wellness program, designed to “build resiliency in youth and lead to reductions in serious mental illness, chemical dependency and suicidality” that was “cited as effective by peer-reviewed research or literature”

HB 369 passed in Human Services Committee 17-2. FAILED Republican-controlled House floor vote 49-51.

SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAMS

House Bill 69 would have reimbursed school districts for co-payments waived for low-income families qualifying for reduced-fee meals and eliminated administrative costs.

Consideration of HB 69 was requested by the Education Interim Committee, but FAILED in full Republican-controlled Education Committee. NO vote on House floor.

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AT RISK FOR ABUSE OR NEGLECT

House Bill 274 would have helped families who were at risk of having children removed from the home because of child abuse or neglect.

HB 274 also died in the GOP-controlled Human Services Committee without a floor vote.

At the Federal level, expanded Child Tax Credits and Free School Meals for all significantly contributed to reduced child poverty and hunger.

Republicans opposed continuation of both.

Donna Martin, Libby