Opinion
Searching for opinion based articles? Below we'll share opinion news articles on a wide variety of topics.
Former governor sounds off on property tax debacle
How did the largest percentage of Republicans elected in Montana history grow government at the fastest rate in st…
Libby again celebrates Arbor Day with tree planting
After a very long winter, spring has arrived in full swing and Libby’s volunteer Tree Board has been busy with pruning city trees, assessing winter tree damage, and preparing to celebrate Arbor Day. Libby is one of…
An apology from the editor
A headline on the front page of the Friday edition of The Western News that should have read “inducted” instead made it to print with the word misspelled as “indicted.”
President's budget ignores needs of rural America
Details on President Trump’s 2020 budget were released this month. In an attempt to rein in federal spending, the budget recommends a $3.6 billion cut to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Unfortunately, the propo…
Montana House Dems weigh in on health care
One of the most important issues that we will tackle this session is protecting the healthcare coverage of more than 96,000 Montanans. Last week, the House Human Services Committee voted to advance HB 658 to contin…
Setting the record straight on HB 722
I would like to provide some factual information about HB 722, a bill I am sponsoring this session, as it was the focus of a recent letter to the editor and was completely misrepresented.
Libby needs return to roots for good paying jobs
Shopko’s looming closure is but the latest in a long line of business closures/failures in Libby — Stimson lumber, Stinger Welding, Revett Minerals, SK Fingerjoint, LiV Golf Cars, and the list goes on.
Notes from Helena for week of March 25
WHOOPEE!!! Lincoln County folks made a fantastic impression at the Columbia River Treaty Town Hall in Kalispell March 20. It was huge, and it was good.
SBA salutes women entrepreneurs
We salute women entrepreneurs during Women’s History Month
Legislators must address Alzheimer's epidemic
On April 2, Montanans will join hundreds of other Alzheimer’s advocates from across the country in our nation’s capital, meeting with Senator Daines, Senator Tester and Congressman Gianforte. The resounding message…
Medicaid Expansion Lacks Real Compassion
Why should someone who works and cannot afford insurance pay for the insurance of someone else who does not work at all? Medicaid already covers people who cannot work. Medicaid Expansion is a deceptively named red…
Supportive energy policy shines light on rural America
As renewable energy continues to bring prosperity to states with supportive policies, rural communities are in the spotlight. Solar and wind energy projects create new jobs and tax revenue in communities that host …
Legislature should act on infrastructure for Montana
Infrastructure is a conversation that is happening on the national, state and local level. When we talk about our state’s infrastructure in the Montana Legislature, it usually means big money and big problems.
Insurance companies and online privacy
Auto insurance companies want to turn online (and offline) activities into profits. Selling us coverage required in Montana, companies use complicated algorithms based on shopping habits, personal characteristics, …
Law would save homes from foreclosure
In 2014, Uri Rafaeli was shocked to learn that his local government seized his $60,000 rental house to collect an $8.41 tax debt. Rafaeli had paid all his 2012 and 2013 property taxes, and first part of his 2014 ob…
Cutting vacant positions in state agencies
Your Republican led legislature is in the process of compiling the budget for the next two years. We are not just talking about efficient state government, we are implementing it. We are doing this by focusing on r…