56. Let MEPA, MEPA!

This week Zuri & John give us the update on the anti-trans bills, medicaid bills, and some of the wins we saw this week! We were also introduced to a few bills that attack MEPA (Montana Environmental Protection Agency). An agency and upholds the our constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment! How to leave public comment: As with most things related to the State of Montana there are always changes. If you want to submit a public comment or virtually testify this session it works a bit different. Here are the steps you need to take! Make an account by going here You’ll see several options to select, throughout this session we will be directing you to the Standing Committee section to either testify remotely and/or submit testimony (public comment). We will direct you to specific bills or committees to address either as an opponent or proponent. We will do our best to make it clear what we are supporting and what we strongly oppose. Stay engaged this session and make your thoughts known to your legislators! Looking for some pointers on giving public comment? We’ve got you covered with a handy one pager on best practices. EVENTS: Public Lands Rally Wednesday, Feb. 19 • Noon — 1 p.m. at the Capitol Rotunda, Helena Forward Montana legislative team will be hosting a series of zoom events. We’ll walk you through what’s happening at the Legislature around LGBTQ+ Rights, Reproductive Rights and Housing! LGBTQ+ Rights Session: 2/18/2025 with Morgan, our LGBTQ+ and Voter Engagement Organizer Reproductive Rights Session: 2/20/2025 with Taryn, our Reproductive Rights and Voter Engagement Organizer Housing issues session: 2/27/2025 with Sage, our Housing and Voter Engagement Organizer February Housing Happy Hour Join Forward Montana at Shine to talk about how we can build the most affordable, sustainable, and accessible future of Bozeman February 20, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Shine Beer Sanctuary, 451 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715 Missoula Stitch and Bitch Bring your current project while you gather in an environment of support, create community, and build collective power through arts n’ crafts! A hodgepodge of embroidery, knit/crochet, and collage supplies will be available. February 24, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM The Center, 500 N Higgins Ave Ste 105, Missoula, MT 59802 Sign up to receive What the Helena right to your inbox every week ⁠here⁠! Stay up to date with all things Forward Montana on Instagram @forward_montana! Hosted by Zuri Moreno & John Bazant Edited by Ashley Lobao Music by Cowboy Calamity