Issues
Mick supports and will work to...
Strengthen our local economies
I believe in a diversified state and local economy that is built on agriculture, tourism, and sustainable use of our natural resources. We need to provide incentives that encourage the growth of small business. Main streets should be vibrant and growing. Our working people need good paying jobs and affordable housing in the communities where they work.
Make affordable health care available for every Montana family
Children, seniors, working people, families and singles deserve affordable health insurance and the highest quality of care. Employers need incentives to provide employer-provided health insurance that doesn’t place the financial burden back on workers. Montana’s children without access to essential medical care need a fully funded CHIP program.
Guarantee a clean and healthy Montana
Article IX, Section 1 of the Montana Constitution requires the state and each person shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana for future generations. Furthermore, the legislature shall provide adequate remedies for the protection of the environmental life support system from degradation and provide adequate remedies to prevent unreasonable depletion and degradation of natural resources. To that end, I support clean energy programs that promote development of alternate forms of energy production such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric, along with clean coal technology, coal gasification, and carbon sequestration. We can not afford to take liberties with our clean air and clean water, and Montana must hold accountable those companies and individuals that degrade our natural resources."
Adequately fund education at every level for Montanans
Article X, section 1 of the Montana Constitution requires the State Legislature shall provide a basic system of free quality public elementary and secondary schools and a system of education which will develop the full educational potential of each person. I support affordable tuition at our state colleges and universities to assure that no one desiring higher education will be denied because of cost. At all levels students must have access to the most current textbooks, computers, and other educational tools. We must provide funding for competitive teacher salaries, health benefits, and a sound retirement program so Montana can hire and retain the highest qualified teachers. Schools are best managed at the local level, and they should be guaranteed the fiscal resources to provide the highest quality education to our citizens. However, we must assure that administrators and boards are fiscally responsible allocating the money they are given.
Protect our constitutional freedoms
I am a strong advocate for our federal and state constitutional freedoms. Nothing should ever infringe upon our freedom of speech, our right to own and bear firearms, the guarantee of a quality education, or the guarantee of a clean and healthful environment. Montanans have a long history of hunting, fishing and recreating on our public lands, and we must assure there will always be access to them. Citizens must have the opportunity to become meaningfully involved in the decision-making process on how we manage our public lands. Together, we can make a difference.
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