by Tom Tunny, Hamilton
One of the more widely discussed ballot measures in this coming election is I-194 known as “The Montana Plan”. This should be particularly relevant to all of us as it limits “artificial persons”, that is corporations, LLCs, anonymous billionaires, nonprofits, trade associations, unions, etc., from using BIG, out of state, money to influence the voters of Montana.
I-194, “The Montana Plan”, would end corporate and dark money spending in Montana elections while Montanans would still be able to speak, donate, organize, protest, and advocate for their candidates. Voters should know who is trying to influence their elections rather than allowing wealthy interests to hide behind anonymous “dark money” groups.
Our elected officials should be accountable to the people they represent – not to corporations and wealthy interests with deep pockets. Decisions about our communities and our future, including Sheep Creek Mine, should be made by the people who live, work, and raise their families here – not by out-of-state corporations and anonymous billionaires.
In 2024, $296 million was spent on Montana’s federal elections—nearly $500 for every voter who cast a ballot. According to Montana Free Press, “All told, political action committees, as they are called, have reported spending $169.6 million trying to influence the outcome of Montana’s Senate race, the vast majority of that on negative ads”.
Montanans were flooded with ads, mailers, texts, calls, and anonymous attacks, much of it financed by national organizations with no lasting connection to our communities. That is outrageous! Count how many flyers you have been receiving this election cycle!
Let Montanans think for OURSELVES!
I urge you to vote YES and pass the I-194 “Montana Plan”.
Leave a Reply