MONTANA REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM
Adopted June 21, 2008
Agriculture
Preamble
The Montana Republican Party recognizes that agriculture is of prime importance to the prosperity and growth of this state. Agriculture is the largest industry in Montana, the largest producer of new wealth, and a major contributor of tax revenue. We recognize that pride of ownership, under a free enterprise system, is the incentive for people to participate in agricultural production. We recommend the elimination of unnecessary regulations and the preservation of private property rights. We support new technologies that add value to our agriculture products.
Agricultural Economy
We believe that Montana's agricultural producers must prosper for Montana to prosper, and that the best way to achieve prosperity is through individual initiative, free from excessive government influence or intervention. Government programs that support prices or provide low interest loans must be administered fairly.
We support the continuance of an actuarially sound, multi-peril crop insurance program.
Brucellosis
The presence of brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone area has an adverse impact on the hunting and cattle industries in Montana. Recognizing the economic and cultural importance of Montana’s cattle industry and our hunting heritage, the ramifications of the brucellosis outbreak, and the loss of Montana’s brucellosis class free status, we support acting as quickly as possible to adopt and implement brucellosis management strategies for cattle and wildlife, other than split-state status, that will regain Montana’s brucellosis class free status. Furthermore, we support eradicating brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone area.
Predators and Rodents
We support those actions that would further ensure the safety and protection of Montana's livestock herds from predators. We support a rodent control program that protects the agricultural lands of Montana. We strongly oppose the artificial introduction or augmentation of any threatened or endangered species.
We support the delisting of wolves from the Endangered Species List and the management of wolves by the State of Montana.
Weed and Pest Control
We urge the establishment of an interim legislative committee to study, develop, and promote a weed management plan for the state of Montana.
We urge state and national agencies and corporations to promote the development of practical, safe, and effective programs for the control of harmful weeds and insects. We urge national agencies to accept responsibility for the control of harmful weeds and insects on federal lands.
We urge state agencies, including the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, to accept responsibility for weed and insect control of all non-leased state lands. We urge government at all levels to coordinate with each other to address weed control.
We oppose any efforts to eliminate the safe use of scientifically proven pesticides and herbicides. We support effective weed control through such means as chemical, biological, and cultural methods.
We support research for integrated, non-chemical control of weeds and pests, and the expansion and preservation of biological facilities within Montana.
We urge the State of Montana to coordinate with local weed districts to structure a high-quality, cost-effective program at local levels that would enhance a statewide weed management plan with special emphasis on education, technical guidance, and implementation.
We strongly urge coordination and cooperation between insect and weed control districts at all levels of government.
We encourage special attention by the legislature to the problems of weed management and the liability involved for county weed boards.
Agricultural Chemicals
We support the harmonization of agriculture chemicals between Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Farm Marketing
We support updated federal grain standards that are competitive in the world market.
We support fair trade agreements concerning meat, livestock, grain, and lumber as long as excessive imports of these products do not cause a negative impact on our economy.
We strongly urge equalization of the livestock border health inspection process and support country of origin labeling. We encourage the labeling of food to identify imported products.
We support the "value added" concept for Montana's agricultural products as a way to improve our state's economy.
We believe that jobs created in Montana's renewable resource industries are long-term stable jobs that contribute to a future for our children and financial stability for our state.
We very strongly oppose the selective use of agricultural commodities as a weapon in the foreign policy of our nation, by such means as grain embargoes and trade sanctions.
Private Property
The right to acquire, possess, and protect private property is a fundamental right, guaranteed and protected under the United States and Montana Constitutions. Protection of private property from confiscation by the state without compensation is what distinguishes a truly free and democratic society from tyrannical forms of government. Accordingly we will defend the right to acquire, possess, and protect private property from unnecessary government infringement, including state laws or regulations which erode property rights and inhibit the free use, the right to privacy, and the enjoyment of private property.
Economic activities must be protected from government action which arbitrarily limits or conditions legal enterprise. Therefore, the government should not interfere with a property owner’s lawful use of property without due process and just compensation.
When fee title to private property is taken by the government by eminent domain, it must only be taken for a public use in which the government owns and the public uses the property. When eminent domain takings occur, the government should compensate the private property owner for the full market value of any property that is taken. When the government takes less than the full title or value of the property, whether by eminent domain or regulation, just compensation must be provided to cover the diminished value of the property.
We support property owners' fundamental right to control access to private land. We oppose forced access by any individual, group, or entity for purposes of inventory or survey without permission of property owners.
The recreational use of Montana’s waters, wildlife, and public lands, and the rights of private property owners in Montana are critical to providing an atmosphere of cooperation and harmony in landowner-recreationist relations. Cooperative agreements or programs which protect and recognize the rights, interests and stewardship of Montana landowners, while encouraging Montana’s important outdoor recreational heritage and rights are critical.
We oppose conservation easement requirements that would limit productivity of agriculture land and further erode the tax base of Montana counties.
Transportation
We believe competition is essential in bringing about effective service in the rail and truck transportation industries. We support both the interstate and intrastate systems, and we urge that they be well maintained and that we improve our primary and secondary highways.
Additionally, the transportation system must fulfill its obligations as public carriers within the private enterprise system to provide and maintain a vital and adequate system of branch lines for the effective marketing of our agricultural, natural resources, and other industrial products.
We urge the modification of the Cargo Preference Act, which adds significantly to the cost of agricultural commodities shipped overseas.
We advocate the humane transportation of all animals.
Meat
We recommend more rigid inspection of all imported meats and other foods to guarantee a high quality product to the consumer. We support a Montana based and inspected meat packing industry that would provide clean, quality meat products to the nation’s consumers.
We oppose federal requirements that would inhibit small meat packing operations in Montana.
Water
We support all uses of water (agriculture, industrial, individual, state, federal, and tribal) be established under state water law and further urge the rapid adjudication of all water rights in state courts to comply with the Montana Constitution.
We believe that wilderness areas have no implied water rights in their designation and that all water rights in wilderness areas are subject to state sovereignty.
We urge the consideration of flow rate, as opposed to volume, in the adjudication of water rights.
We believe that measurable water quality standards should be established to allow a healthy economic climate and protect this most precious resource.
We strongly oppose federal laws and regulations designed to control Montana lands and waters.
State and Federal Lands
We endorse the concept of multiple use of state lands. We support the “no net gain” philosophy in the acquisition of land by government or tax exempt entities.
We strongly oppose the government policies that initiate eco-system management as opposed to long-recognized multiple-use concepts of resource management and stewardship.
We urge administrators of state lands to adopt an appeals process that discourages or eliminates frivolous actions.
We believe that the primary purpose of State School Trust Land is to provide revenue for the schools. We oppose unlimited recreational access to these lands to the extent that it reduces revenue to the schools and decreases the values of the lease to the lessor. Such use may result in liability problems to the lessee and should be limited by law.
We support good land stewardship and the development of state land resources.
Access to Public Lands
We believe that access to state lands should be managed with specific areas of concern including, but not limited to: fire suppression; weed, insect, rodent, and predator control; handicap access; livestock management facilities and measures, and; environmentally responsible development of Montana’s natural resources.
Animal Care
We oppose any legislative or regulatory actions that would adversely affect good poultry, livestock and fur bearing animal husbandry practices.
AMERICAN INDIAN AFFAIRS
Preamble
The Montana Republican Party fully supports the self-governance and self-determination by American Indian tribes and their governments free of control of the Federal Government and full legal rights of American Indian individuals, on and off reservations.
Human Services
We recognize that the State of Montana is bound to follow the Indian Child Welfare Act provisions regarding adoption of American Indian children.
State Administration
We recommend that the state of Montana build a business relationship with tribal governments.
We recommend the review of Tribal-State cooperative agreements.
We recommend the appointing of an American Indian firefighting advisory group.
We recommend the creation of a Republican American Indian task force to meet with American Indians and develop further suggestions regarding party positions pertaining to American Indian issues.
Economic Development
We support those AmericanIndians who want jobs developed in the natural resources area, including timber, oil and gas, and coal-bed natural gas.
We encourage state and federal governments to provide equal access to training to Indian firefighters to develop expanded job opportunities as national emergency response teams particularly in the area of homeland security, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, bombings, and other disasters.
We recommend that the Republican National Committee establish an American Indian Caucus and fund Get Out the Vote efforts.
BUSINESS AND LABOR
Preamble
The Montana Republican Party stands firmly behind the principle that economic well being for our state and its people will be established only through a strong and unencumbered free enterprise system accompanied by fair trade, both domestic and abroad.
We are committed to raising the personal income and standard of living of all Montanans. We believe this will be accomplished through a private sector, which recognizes and utilizes the creativity, ability, and strength of the individual.
We believe that prosperity results from freedom, and that the free market is the most efficient method of allocating resources and setting fair prices and wages.
We support responsible economic development and growth in Montana. To that end we encourage cooperation between business, labor, education, and government so that all Montanans will share in the resulting economic prosperity.
Employment
The Montana Republican Party recognizes that Montana's greatest resource is its skilled/educated, workforce. We encourage all employers to hire Montana workers, and we urge that our workforce be advertised as an incentive for attracting new business and industry into Montana.
We support federal and state participation in workforce training programs, which emphasizes a partnership between the public and private sector. We propose flexibility in the design and operation of these programs, which provides for decision-making by these partners at the local level.
We believe that all entrepreneurs should be afforded the opportunity to conduct all legal businesses within the state of Montana with a minimum of government interference and regulations.
We support equal opportunities and responsibilities for all persons, without regard to age, sex, race, religion, or disability. We advocate equal pay for equal work.
We believe that work rules and membership in labor bargaining units must remain free and flexible.
We support Republican efforts to allow child care choices for families who work outside the home as well as those who remain at home.
We believe that communications modernization will spur economic development, provide new jobs, and revitalize struggling communities. As such, the Montana Republican Party encourages and supports private sector efforts to update and improve Montana's communications infrastructure.
In order to allow affordable improvements in rural communities, we support the payment of local prevailing wages for projects funded by local tax dollars.
We encourage high wage jobs provided by our renewable and nonrenewable resource industries. We embrace the concept of multiple use and encourage the environmentally sound development of Montana's natural resources by the private sector.
We support and encourage new and existing businesses in Montana. We recognize the importance of employers, especially small business employers, as the source of economic growth in Montana. We support and encourage new capital investment in the Montana economy.
We urge greater support for recreation, tourism, preservation and promotion of our historic sites and buildings, and film making projects.
Worker's Compensation
We advocate a workers' compensation system that continues the reforms adopted by the Republican Legislature to reduce fraud and abuse, improve claims management, address safety in the workplace, and provide workers with reasonable benefits. We encourage private sector competition with the state fund to encourage further efficiencies, and enhance benefits to both employers and employees.
Government
The Montana Republican Party believes that the role of government in economic development is to cooperate with the private sector in a non-competitive fashion.
We oppose unfunded government mandates.
We support the concept of privatization of some government services as a method of reducing the state's expenditures and increasing the efficiency of state government. Government programs should be restricted to those services, which cannot be provided by the private sector.
We believe transparence in government should be enhanced by public notice of open building for government contracts pursuant to state law.
Regulations
The Montana Republican Party advocates that all current and future state regulations and statutes be assessed and, as appropriate, amended or repealed based on whether a taking of private property may occur. Where a taking is unavoidable, public policy must insist on fair and full compensation to the property owner.
We continue to support Republican efforts to reduce the size of state government through attrition, and improved efficiencies, recognizing it as an effective way to stop the growth of the bureaucracy without imposing economic hardship on any government employee.
We encourage the appointment of citizens with private sector experience and business knowledge to government advisory boards and agency positions whenever possible.
We support the active partnership of government and our basic industries in exploring opportunities for the export of Montana products in the world market. We also advocate further research into value-added production of Montana’s resources.
Tort Reform
Tort reform remains an important issue in Montana that must be addressed by both the state and federal governments in an effort to reduce frivolous lawsuits and unreasonable awards, driving up the costs of products and services.
CRIME
Preamble
The Montana Republican Party supports fair and equal enforcement of our criminal laws. Every person in Montana has a right to live free from fear of crime. We support victims' rights issues and requiring criminals to make restitution to their victims.
We support the concept of individual responsibility; that each person is solely responsible for his or her actions. We support laws that remove persistent felony offenders from society.
In order to promote public safety, increase public confidence and hold lawbreakers accountable, we support the following goals of Montana’s criminal justice system.
Truth in Sentencing
The public has a right to know, at the time of sentencing, the minimum amount of time a criminal will be incarcerated and under what conditions the criminal may be eligible for parole. The level of supervision at various states in the sentencing will be explained at the sentencing hearing.
Lifetime Supervision for Convicted Sexual Offenders
The Republican Party supports lifetime registration, monitoring, and supervision of convicted sexual offenders and timely notification of their pending release to victims and local (city and county) law enforcement.
We support legislation that requires local law enforcement to be notified of the relocation of sexual offenders, and urge the local media to broadcast these same facts. The information available to law enforcement will aggressively be disseminated to the public on the Attorney General’s website and by other proactive means.
School Safety
Every school must have the authority to, expel, or otherwise discipline, a student who brings a firearm, dangerous weapon, or illegal substances to school or commits or incites others to commit an act of violence toward teachers and/or students.
Homosexual Acts
We support the clear will of the people of Montana expressed by legislation to keep homosexual acts illegal.
Youth Court
Youth Court should focus on responsibility and accountability through immediate, consistent, enforceable, and avoidable consequences for those who violate the law. Young lawbreakers must be made aware that their actions will have consequences. In the case of juvenile offenses, custodial parents or guardians must be a part of the restitution and rehabilitation process.
Prison Reform
We support prison reform requiring appropriate work for inmates; the development of alternative community-based restorative justice programs and facilities for prisoners convicted of non-violent crime; and prison living conditions which are humane, safe and, secure but without amenities so as to discourage recidivism. New Department of Corrections facilities must be approved by the voters of the community in which it is proposed.
Sexual Offense Victims
We believe that expenditures of state funds should prioritize restitution and treatment of victims of sexual offenses and their families before treatment for those who commit sexual offenses.
Restitution
Criminals have an obligation to repay victims or victims' families for the cost of the crime. The restitution obligation should be addressed at sentencing and a portion of the inmate’s earnings should be applied to restitution.
Limit Appeals
We urge the federal government to expedite appeal(s) in death penalty cases and restrict frivolous lawsuits by inmates, recognizing that the costs are borne by the taxpayers of Montana.
Jury Authority
We reaffirm the principle espoused by our nation's founders that our court system belongs to the people, not the government. We recognize both the power and the moral obligation vested in juries to secure justice by judging both the facts of a case and application of the law itself. We support requiring judges to fully inform jurors of their constitutional rights and responsibilities.
United States Congress
We urge the United States Congress to split the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and we urge our congressional delegation to seek legislation to accomplish this end.
Seatbelts
We oppose laws that would change Montana’s seatbelt law from a secondary offense to a primary offense except with respect to child restraint systems. Montana drivers should be punished for driving illegally and not because the driver was driving in a safe manner, without wearing a seatbelt.
Cyber Crime
Cyber crime is a growing menace that the legislature should continue to investigate and deal with appropriately. We support new laws establishing a separate penalty against internet predators who communicate with a child online and then travel to meet that child for the specific purpose of further sexually abusing him or her, and to establish penalties for offenders who misrepresent their age to seduce a child over the internet.
Drugs and Alcohol
The legislature should continue its efforts to deal effectively with those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We recognize the danger that methamphetamine poses to our society. We support stronger penalties for repeat offenders. We support alternatives and options to reduce recidivism.
Parental Rights
Parents shall be allowed to reasonably discipline their children, without legal consequences.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Montanan Republican Party supports the creation of a climate that makes all Montana businesses more competitive in a national and international marketplace. We support the creation of a business-friendly state that fosters good paying jobs through sustainable private sector economic development.
We believe the role of government in promoting economic growth is to implement broad-based reforms aimed at removing burdensome regulations that impede the growth and development of private businesses. We believe in limited, predictable, and equitable business regulation that is administered in a consistent, streamlined, and expeditious fashion.
We believe that all levels of education play a critical role in providing a highly skilled workforce capable of commanding higher wages and meeting the needs of our citizens and businesses.
We recognize that research, either private or from the University System, and the commercialization of that research, plays a vital role in growing our economy.
We believe that a broad-based, equitable, competitive and stable tax structure is critical to growing Montana businesses and attracting new good-paying jobs to the state.
We believe that responsible development of our natural resources, using best technology, is desirable and necessary to grow our economy.
We believe in growing and developing a thriving technology sector.
EDUCATION
Preamble
The Montana Republican Party is dedicated to providing the best basic educational opportunities for all persons. Education must be accountable to families and taxpayers in response to the needs of the students and families. Well-educated citizens are critical to economic stability of the community, state and nation. Republicans support a strong educational system.
Citizens shall be educated about our State and National Constitutions and histories to maintain the freedoms and rights that those constitutions provide and protect.
Public School Funding
Montana's school funding shall be based on a formula that considers educationally relevant components. We encourage school boards to cooperate with other communities to find efficiencies and innovations to designate more funds for the classroom.
The Montana Republican Party supports the use of school trust properties and the natural resources they represent to be developed for the purpose of funding our schools.
We encourage the legislature to schedule the school and primary elections to be held on the same day to provide convenience and to increase voter participation.
Local Control
Schools should be supervised and controlled locally, with local education systems remaining in the hands of locally elected trustees responsive to their communities. The legislature shall remove areas of law that create obstacles to voluntary consolidation.
We encourage public school trustees to provide daily the opportunity for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Basic System of Quality Schools
We strongly support quality education as a vital investment in the overall well being of the state. A basic system of quality schools should be clearly defined, by legislative direction. We encourage locally elected school boards to incorporate in their kindergarten through twelfth grade curriculums an emphasis on America's free enterprise system and its value in the maintenance of freedom and the expansion of prosperity. We reaffirm our commitment to educational excellence through appropriate education for all students.
In the best interests of students, we believe distance learning is a valuable tool in the effort to bring an equal educational opportunity to every student in Montana.
We encourage Montana schools to teach American and Montana history, heritage, culture, fine arts, and vocational skills and technical education.
We support establishing incentives either at the state or local district level that will encourage Montana students graduating as teachers from Montana colleges and universities to take teaching positions in Montana schools.
The Republican Party supports alternative certification to promote highly qualified teachers for our classrooms.
Choice
We strongly support the right of parents to choose the way in which their children shall be educated, consistent with their academic expectations and personal values. We support freedom of choice for church, public charter, private, or home schools.
We further believe that competition in the educational marketplace has a strengthening effect on both public and private education, and serves the long-term best interests of all students. We therefore support an education policy that fosters the free movement of educational consumers to the schools of their choice.
Vocational and Technical Education
The Montana Republican Party supports a separate and autonomous two-year system of education including Vo-Tech schools, Community Colleges, Colleges of Technology and Tribal Colleges
Montana University System
We recognize our Montana University System as a key resource in responding to the rapid changes in technology, social structure and the national and international economies. Our system of higher education should be efficiently organized, adequately funded, and accessible to all Montana citizens.
The Party urges that the system's teacher education programs train teachers in academics and the principles of free government, training them to comprehend the rights, responsibilities, and dignity of American citizenship.
We strongly support the efforts to ensure that Montana's schools, especially rural schools, have total access to the national information highway. The utilization of modern communications and computer technology will be the key to creating a high quality, accessible education system.
We support increased opportunities for advanced professional training for Montana students including Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education (WICHE) and the Washington Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI) Regional Medical Training Program.
The Montana Republican Party strongly supports efforts by the university system to graduate students within four years
The Montana Republican Party supports graduate level education and research programs within the university system.
HUMAN SERVICES
Preamble
The Montana Republican party recognizes that the individual has primary responsibility for his or her own health and welfare. We support efforts to improve the Montana human service delivery system by continuing to reassess the programs and participation of each department providing these services.
We support treatment and care whenever possible in a family related manner at the local or community level. The Montana Republican Party affirms its belief and support for family values.
Welfare
We support systems to help citizens exercise their responsibility and right to pursue life's basic necessities in order to become self-supporting citizens Administration of welfare programs should be returned to local government whenever possible. We support the concept of workfare, wherein those who are eligible for benefits might perform some meaningful labor, if able, as a condition of receiving benefits. We support time limits on benefits. Job training programs should always be designed to increase self-sufficiency and self esteem by placing people in long-term jobs.
We urge fiscal control of social services programs and support continuing efforts to reduce administrative costs and eliminate fraud in health and welfare programs, thereby increasing the availability of direct client benefits.
Human Life
We affirm our belief in traditional family values and support the preservation of innocent human life at every stage of life beginning at conception. In concert with this belief:
1) We support efforts to provide parental notification and consent, and informed consent in all cases involving abortion;
2) We support those individuals and organizations seeking to provide positive alternatives to abortion by meeting the physical, emotional, educational, and financial needs of pregnant women;
3) We oppose assisted suicide;
4) We oppose partial birth abortion;
5) We support a moratorium on human cloning for any purpose; and
6) We support non-embryonic stem cell research.
Health Care
We support programs to improve human service delivery; especially those that have private grant participation. We support the interaction and sharing of information and resources by departments charged with the delivery of services to children and families.
We support patients' maximum freedom of choice of health care providers and the type of care desired. We recognize the need for basic health care coverage for all Montanans, but also believe the choice between private and public health plans should be available.
We support strengthening community mental health programs at an affordable cost to all. Community-based services now being designed should be strengthened in order to help persons severely disabled by mental illness to achieve independence in the areas of employment, living arrangements, and social relationships.
Society and the government are faced with drawing the line on increased spending. This challenge will force consideration of limitations and priorities in our health care system. We support the use of nurse practitioners and physicians' assistants, supervised by qualified physicians, especially in rural areas without health care within a reasonable distance. We believe that linking hospitals in larger communities with health care facilities in smaller communities through an advanced communications network would partially address these difficulties. We also support consideration of tax credits, low-cost equipment loans, and rural care residency programs for licensed health care providers to encourage their settlement in rural areas.
We encourage incentives for licensed health care providers that choose to serve in rural and underserved areas.
We support the encouragement of young persons to explore the possibility of pursuing health care occupations in Montana.
Care for the Elderly
Many small communities in Montana maintain nursing homes providing local care for senior citizens. We support the availability of programs such as assisted living home health care and other programs that allow people to live in their own homes and communities. We support the concept of local medical care, especially home health care and hospice services, making it possible for older people to remain in their home or community near family and friends. We support the use of modern communications technology that would enable health care providers to monitor vital data without being physically present. A centralization of these services, solely into regional centers, may not provide sufficient care for those who must leave their homes and communities. We urge the examination of an increased role for the family in these responsibilities and welcome the development of incentives to encourage family members to care for each other.
Handicapped Care
We support home and community-based living arrangements, work opportunities, and basic services to assist the disabled in attaining a higher level of independent living. We encourage continued efforts to assist families in caring for the disabled in the family setting. We recognize that good institutional care should be available when needed. We believe independent living can be greatly enhanced by a modern telecommunications system capable of two-way interaction. We support programs that give greater opportunity for special needs individuals, such as the Special Olympics.
Services to Children and Youth
We are fully committed to the needs of traumatized children and other children at risk. We support crisis efforts to remedy substance abuse and to correct family dysfunction. We commend and support those families providing foster homes to children in need and encourage efforts toward successful, stabilizing placements. We also support policies that facilitate adoption.
We support maximizing the efficient use of public and private funding through improved communication and cooperation in order to ensure that children and youth who are victims of neglect and/or physical, sexual, and emotional abuse receive care and treatment appropriate to their individual needs.
We support interagency planning, collaboration and coordination of the entire continuum of treatment services (family-based, community-based) tailored to the individual needs of children, adolescents and their families.
We support corrective programs for juveniles designed to give judges and law enforcement personnel an alternative to incarceration in order to make youth and their parents accountable and responsible for their actions. We encourage timely, effective communication and coordination among law enforcement officials, the community, parents, and youth to prevent criminal activities and encourage good citizenship among young people.
We support social policies and services that preserve and strengthen the traditional family unit. We support inter-agency planning, collaboration, and coordination to maximize the use of family-based and community-based services tailored to the needs of children, adolescents and their families.
General Public Safety and Human Services Issues
We will work to provide wholesome living, learning, and working conditions free from the fear of mental, physical, and emotional abuse while guarding against intrusive government regulation.
We strongly support the activities of citizens and law enforcement agencies in their efforts to eliminate illegal traffic and manufacturing of narcotics and dangerous drugs.
We strongly support the elimination of underage tobacco and alcohol use.
We support activities intended to eliminate drivers on our highways and waterways who are under the influence of drugs and or alcohol.
We support security, as needed at every correctional facility for the benefit of the general public, the inmates, and the staff. We support the use of rehabilitative work and training programs that are appropriate to the records and behavior of the prisoners.
We support stricter standards for the release, monitoring, and notification of local law enforcement, victims and the community at large before inmates go before a parole hearing or are discharged from institutional care.
We support the reasonable enforcement of child support collection laws.
We support abstinence education as the most effective and humane means of birth control.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Preamble
The Montana Republican Party supports efforts to return control and authority to local government.
Funding
We believe all levels of government are responsible for funding their own programs. No level of government should assign responsibilities or programs to lower levels or subdivisions of government unless funding for those responsibilities and programs is also provided. Any additional State-mandated local government services should be funded by the State.
We strongly urge the Governor of the state of Montana to protest any federal mandated programs requiring funding by the State or local governments, except those based on a declared national emergency by the President of the United States.
We continue to support the goal of limiting local property tax and fee increases and encourage greater accountability, while allowing budgets to be based upon population changes.
We urge Congress to FULLY fund payments-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILT) to reduce the burden placed upon local taxpayers to provide services.
We will not support legislation that violates the trust established between the Montana legislature and Montana’s units of local government through the entitlement share program created in HB124 by the 57th session of the Montana Legislature.
Local Responsibility
We believe local governments should be responsible for resolving local problems. State government should be fiscally responsible for its actions affecting local government and all state restrictions on self-government should be limited and narrowly construed.
Individual Rights
We believe local governments shall enforce property use regulations only upon citizens living within the local government’s boundaries. The rights of individuals to vote on local governmental tax issues and officials are fundamental.
Voter Participation
We encourage increased informed-voter turnout in local elections. We support volunteer efforts to register new voters and to get them out to vote. We believe it is essential that every informed voter exercise his or her right to vote.
Tax Review
We support open meetings for government decision-making bodies. We strongly urge taxpayers to review, comment, and participate in the development of county, city, and school district budgets, to encourage all local government entities to publish their budgets on the internet.
We urge local bodies to use sunset review of all newly implemented taxes and fees whenever possible.
Consolidation
We support voluntary consolidation or deconsolidation of school districts and governmental units to save taxpayer money.
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
National Sovereignty
We as a state demand that the Federal Government fulfill its constitutional responsibilities to secure our Montana borders, as defined by the 1889 Constitution. We further affirm that we oppose the Patriot Act and all of its versions or other instruments that erode our individual liberties.
We strongly support the immediate removal of all illegal aliens and allow our local law enforcement carry out that removal of such aliens.
Freedom and Liberty
We the People of the great state of Montana have always cherished freedom and self-reliance. We hold fast to the principles that our founding fathers held most dear, self-determination and small government, state’s rights and equality for all its citizens. It is therefore our determination to declare that the United States Constitution has been and should always be the “Supreme Law of the Land.” All state and federal government agencies and policies should be deemed, Constitutional in their effects, laws and practices. Therefore, we as the people of the great state of Montana declare that the United States Constitution be upheld in all of its entirety, until such time as the proper Amendment processes determines the course of change.
We affirm that the Montana Republican Party is the party of freedom, and we support individual freedom and liberty for all law-abiding citizens of the United States of America. We adamantly oppose any attempts, whether direct or indirect, to destroy and/or undermine the Constitution of the United States and its Amendments, including the Bill of Rights.
Right to Bear Arms
We oppose the concept of “gun free zones” in any form or in any place except detention facilities. Depriving victims of the means to protect themselves and others does not make anyone safer and violates the Montana Constitution. We affirm that the right to bear arms is a right the people of Montana have reserved for themselves, individually, from interference by government agents and government employees. We oppose any restrictions on the type or number of firearms any law-abiding citizen may own or possess. We completely support the unfettered right for citizens to use firearms to lawfully defend themselves without fear of prosecution or government interference (“called in question”) for having done so.
We urge the repeal of the Brady Bill Law.
We oppose any system of national registration of firearm owners and their firearms and the setting of limits on the quantities of firearms and ammunition that are owned by an individual.
National Defense
We believe in peace through strength. Worldwide political instability clearly demonstrates the need for the continued maintenance of military strength to defend our nation, with an emphasis on research and development, conventional forces, and refinement of strategic defense initiative technology.
We support continuing efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation, but totally oppose any suggestions of unilateral disarmament on the part of the United States, or placing any troops or military resources under United Nations or foreign command or the deployment of United Nations or foreign Troops on United States soil for any reason.
We support our country's right to defend itself against terrorism by military and economic means pursuant to the United States Constitution.
We oppose any further transfer of high technology that could be used for military purposes to any country whose political and military purposes are, or could be, a threat to the United States.
We fully support efforts to ensure that defense dollars are spent in the most productive and efficient manner, however, we are concerned about cutting defense too much and too quickly in a very unstable world.
We deeply appreciate the young men and women who serve in our country's armed forces and believe their lives and safety should be placed at risk only when our nation's security is threatened, and only under the command of our own nation's Joint Chiefs of Staff.
We acknowledge unlimited indebtedness to those serving in the armed forces of this nation who have sacrificed so much to secure the blessings of freedom for us all. We urge that those in charge of veterans’ affairs to accelerate efforts of the appropriate agencies to meet the medical and physical needs of those impaired in the service of our country.
National Security, State Security, and Immigration
We strongly support stricter control of our national borders.
We demand the federal government enforce immigration laws and prevent illegal aliens from entering and affecting job opportunities for United States citizens and compromising our national security.
We support the withdrawal of the United States from the United Nations. We demand that Montana join western states and all others in opposing the North American Union (NAU) in withdrawing from the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP), withdrawing from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and that Congress resume their duty of regulating Commerce with Foreign Nations. We greatly appreciate the work our Legislators have done by supporting HJ25 opposing the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America.
We strongly support the use of the English language as the only language of our country for national and public purposes.
Inflation and Employment
We feel that vigilance must be used in continuing to control inflation, as this represents one of the greatest threats to the well being of all Americans.
We encourage efforts to improve the business climate, support entrepreneurship, foster free and fair trade, expand employment, and lessen dependence on assistance programs.
We support a return to a gold and silver based monetary system and a strong dollar policy based on intrinsic asset values and not a debased fiat monetary policy.
Budget and Taxation
We support all efforts to reduce government spending to balance the budget. A balanced budget will be accomplished by less government spending and not by a general tax increase.
We oppose cost shifting to the states via unfunded federal mandates.
We support efforts to eliminate the Internal Revenue Service and rewrite the tax code to be based on a consumption tax.
Criminal Justice
We deplore the violation of the civil rights of victims of crimes and urge the judicial system to recognize the rights of victims, administer justice, and punish criminals. We advocate laws prescribing victim compensation to be paid out of fines and/or assets forfeited by convicted criminals. We support the attempts, by statute, to greatly limit the use of insanity pleas and to limit the scope of parole possibilities for repeat offenders.
We urge the inclusion of a jury to be fully informed and allowed to judge the validity of the law as well as the accused.
We support efforts to eliminate the sale, importation, or use of illegal substances. We urge cooperation and shared funding between federal and local agencies in enforcement of narcotics statutes. We advocate stiff mandatory prison terms for persons convicted of violent crimes, including crimes against children; such as drug dealing to minors, sex offenses involving children, and production or distribution of child pornography.
We are concerned about the lack of progress in the War on Drugs, and we believe that more effort should be made to stem demand and supply of illegal substances. We stand opposed to the legalization or use of presently illegal drugs.
Within those parameters set down by the United States Supreme Court, we support the right of each state to determine in what cases the death penalty would be imposed. We oppose the undue interference of federal courts in the right of each individual state to carry out its death penalty statutes. We urge the federal government to limit appeals in death penalty cases.
Many citizens are stripped of valuable property without guilt being ascertained or criminal charges being filed. We express grave concern over the increased use and legislative expansion of asset forfeiture laws or illegal property seizure by agencies of the federal government. To prevent agency abuse, we advocate that proceeds of all asset forfeitures be set aside for victim compensation only. We deplore the misuse of the RICO statute by any federal agent or agencies. We urge Congress to narrow the scope and applicability of federal seizure laws.
We unequivocally support the history and use of habeas corpus.
Political Freedom
We support the efforts of the people of the world to achieve national and personal freedom and their right to participate fully in self-government.
We recognize and support full citizenship rights and responsibilities of all Americans.
Energy
In the interest of national security we must become more energy independent; therefore, we urge, through private enterprise, the development of energy resources, including alternative forms of energy, which will enable the United States to become less dependent on foreign energy suppliers.
Public land managers must consider the alternative energy potential of public lands when formulating land management practices.
All cost effective forms of energy shall have equal access to the grid as specified by deregulation.
We strongly support expedited utilization of Montana’s natural resources to provide for Montana’s energy and economic needs.
Telecommunications Policy
We believe that private industry will provide a viable information highway for the future if all government agencies will provide a supportive environment.
We oppose federal telephone excise taxes and further government-imposed taxes, fees, or charges on telecommunications or the internet in any forms.
We believe a modern telecommunications network will bring substantial benefits to the entire nation in areas such as economic development, education and health care.
Equal Rights
We recognize our Party's historic commitment to equal rights and equality of opportunity for every citizen regardless of gender, age, race, national origin, religion, creed, or physical impairment. We also encourage and support citizen participation in all levels of government, especially elective offices at the local, state, and national levels. We support equal opportunity laws and the elimination of discrimination, including reverse discrimination.
We affirm the equal right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all individuals. We affirm the sanctity of human life and the inherent dignity of each human being from conception to death. Again, we recognize that life begins at conception and must be protected. We oppose cloning complete human beings. We support the private development of adult stem cell research and we support all efforts to stop human trafficking. We support the definition of marriage as only between one man and one woman.
Space
We strongly support the continuation of our nation's space program through NASA and the private sector.
States' Rights
We demand federal withdrawal from those areas of responsibility reserved by the U.S. Constitution to the states and people. We urge our state elected officials to undertake appropriate action, including legal action, to confine federal power within its constitutional limits.
We strongly encourage the Governor of Montana to continue to utilize the authority extended to the Executive Branch by the Montana Legislature, to vigorously defend Montana's right to self-governance under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
We oppose any extension of federal or regional bureaucratic control over water originating in Montana and consider any such action an infringement on states' rights.
We oppose administrative actions that initiate top-down resource management without congressional decision-making such as the Yellowstone snowmobile ban, Scenic Rivers actions, Missouri River Breaks National Monument and roadless initiatives. We call upon our Congressional Delegation to urge strong states’ rights policies governing the use of public lands and resources in the West. We commend the passage of the American Lands Sovereignty Act.
We recognize the threat of illegal immigration presents to our national stability and recommend stronger measures be taken against employers who evade existing laws prohibiting employment of undocumented aliens.
We insist that the United States comply with its compact with Montana, as that compact was understood in 1889 for inclusion of statehood.
Social Security
We applaud efforts to maintain the integrity of the Social Security program and urge future efforts to improve program efficiency. Social Security disbursements should be restricted to retirement and survivor benefits, and they should be corrected to mitigate the "notch" effect.
Social Security reserves shall not be used for any other purpose, including retirement of the national debt. Government should not mandate the use of social security numbers for identification purposes.
We further recommend that social security benefits will not be available to those who are not citizens. We also recommend that government medical benefits will not be available to non-citizens.
We recommend that the Social Security taxes be taken out of the general fund and put back into a social security trust fund.
Senior Citizens
We are fully committed to compassionately addressing the needs of our senior citizens, protecting those on fixed incomes, and preserving the health and individual dignity of senior Americans.
We consider the wisdom and experience of senior citizens an untapped national resource and urge all segments of society to respect and utilize this resource.
Bureaucracy
We believe that citizen's right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness has been impeded by unnecessary regulation and government intrusion. Control and domination of our personal affairs and the free enterprise system by bureaucratic edict is economically wasteful and destructive to individual freedom and self-determination. We therefore support efforts to eliminate waste and excessive bureaucratic regulation and to liberate the free enterprise system.
National Endowment for the Arts
We are opposed to the use of taxpayer dollars to fund any art. We recognize the cultural importance of the arts and encourage private sector support and financing to promote artistic endeavors.
Flag Desecration
We strongly support an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would protect the flag from desecration.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Preamble
Montana’s economic prosperity is inherently dependent upon the responsible and sound management and development of natural resources.
We promote a sound path of environmental protection that leads to balanced ideas, responsible risk/benefit analysis, reasonable permitting, and includes consideration of all social and economic implications and impacts.
We support a natural resource development policy that promotes jobs in Montana, reduces our dependence on foreign resources, and leads to energy self sufficiency.
We reject extreme environmental positions and unrealistic environmental legislation.
We oppose all efforts to restrict or obstruct environmentally sound uses of lands, waters in Montana, and resources.
Our educational system should emphasize teaching the economic and social benefits of responsible natural resources development in Montana.
Water
Montana's atmospheric, surface, and underground water quantity and quality are of prime importance to our quality of life and our general economy. We support a balanced and realistic view of water usage that responsibly considers economic, social, and environmentals aspects.
We support cooperative efforts and water leasing to provide in-stream water for fisheries during periods of low flow, if not detrimental to prior appropriators. We oppose the sale of water in perpetuity for in-stream flow purposes. We reject any severance tax on water.
We will continue to defend the 'first in time, first in right' doctrine protected by State Law as essential to the use and development of Montana waters in the best interest of Montana's citizens.
We recognize the responsibility of maintaining existing beneficial uses of water in our state and support the continued beneficial development of our water. We support conservation and additional water storage including groundwater storage to provide recreational opportunities and to augment minimum in-stream flow, irrigation and other uses. We support retaining existing water storage projects and dams.
We oppose any claim or actions of others, including the federal government and downstream states, to Montana’s water that could in any way damage our rights and/or economy.
Land
Any government involvement in land use planning should be local and with full recognition of the primary rights of private land ownership. We oppose any foreign or international entity, such as the United Nations, exercising authority over domestic land use decisions. We believe that eminent domain should not be used for private profit purposes.
While we favor appropriate protection of many areas of natural beauty, we oppose the creation of 'buffer zones' by legislation, administrative or judicial rule, or agency policy to expand water and land use restrictions around national parks and wilderness areas.
We urge the Montana Congressional delegation to sunset wilderness study areas. The Montana Republican Party opposes the creation of any additional wilderness areas.
We oppose any multi-state federal special land designations that have adverse social and economic impacts such as the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act and the Greater Yellowstone Area Proposal.
We oppose the circumvention of Congressional authority by the executive branch to create defacto wilderness areas and to restrict public access to and use of federal lands.
We oppose additional acquisition of acreage by state or federal agencies. Any public acquisition of private land cannot result in a net acreage gain to the state or federal government. We oppose any easements in perpetuity.
We believe that any major land holder, be it the federal, state, or local government, or a private individual or corporation, has an absolute obligation to participate in and contribute to the area economy.
Timber
We urge federal and state forestry management agencies to aggressively pursue and intensively manage public designated timber areas. Intensive management should focus on sustained yield and include voluntary Best Management Practices to provide adequate environmental stewardship. We support timely harvesting and restoration of fire and beetle damaged forest.
We urge improved economic well-being of our timber communities through developing legislative and administrative actions that facilitate adding value to wood products in Montana.
We oppose the let it burn policy and the use of controlled burning where objectives can be achieved with responsible timber management and harvest.
We support the use of tariffs until consultation by the United States with foreign countries results in an easing of economic conflicts or establishment of fair, free trade agreements.
Energy and Minerals
We oppose the state acquisition of any privately held energy assets in any form.
We strongly encourage the development of Montana's abundant renewable energy resources and urge continuing development of economically viable alternative energy systems for both Montana and national energy needs.
We believe exploration, development, and management of energy and mineral resources in an environmentally responsible manner is essential for both present and future needs of Montana's citizens, the economy and for national security.
Environmental Impacts
We support informed natural resource decision-making by federal, state, and local government based on sound science. We oppose the use of misinformation to attempt to influence natural resource decision-making.
We support the wise use and conservation of our natural resources to assure their continued availability. We support market driven recycling.
We strongly encourage the coordinated cooperation of all property owners and local, state, and federal governments to assure the people of Montana that all possible efforts are being made to eradicate noxious weeds within our state.
Fish and Wildlife
We urge the Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks in cooperation with other affected agencies to manage the state’s wildlife and fish resources in a sustainable manner and to be responsive to the local concerns within the capabilities of the habitat and eradicate diseased wildlife.
We support the development of responsible hunting and fishing harvest numbers that carefully balance resource conservation, property owners’ rights, the economy, and the safety of our citizens.
We urge common sense reform of the federal Endangered Species Act that considers adverse impacts to private property rights and to our economy and society, that gives full consideration to any populations already existing in North America, and that results in greater state involvement.
We oppose increasing government restrictions on recreational access within the federal lands in Montana.
We support reasonable public access of land encumbered by conservation easements managed by any agency of state government.
We urge immediate delisting of the wolf to then be managed along with other species by the state using appropriate methods.
We believe the federal government is responsible for fully funding the mitigation of the impacts o thrust upon the people of Montana by the Endangered Species Act.
STATE ADMINISTRATION
Preamble
The Montana Republican Party is committed to the protection of constitutionally guaranteed rights. We firmly believe that these individual rights are protected by the constitutions of the United States of America and Montana and should not be infringed upon by the executive, judiciary or legislative branches of government.
We favor budget savings in state government through efficiency and good management. During the last two decades state government has grown over twice as fast as Montana’s economy mostly due to the large increase in social programs and school budgets. During hard economic times, unreasonable growth in government spending has a stifling effect on economic growth. The Montana Republican Party is committed to stopping the unreasonable and unnecessary growth in government; including unfunded federal mandates.
We believe that the government must remain ever mindful of its obligations to the citizens of this state by providing essential services and avoiding over-regulation, duplicative and inappropriate administration of programs, rules, or laws.
We are committed to eliminating all unnecessary state regulations and reducing the burden of state government into the lives of the people of the state.
State Employees and Government Reorganization
We recognize the contribution of our competent and dedicated state employees. Overall, we support a secure, streamlined, well-paid, well-trained state employee workforce. We recommend that Montana residents receive first consideration for employment. Market the Montana quality of life to recruit state employees. Modify “Broadband” to consider the comparison of salaries of privately employed Montanans with salaries of states that are proximal to salaries paid to Montanans.
We fully support meaningful government reform. We support goals and measurable objectives for state agencies. We support efforts to improve efficiency and effectiveness at all levels of government.
We support healthy and functioning retirement systems for the government employees of the state. We do not support the expansion of pension benefits that threaten the health of Montana state pension systems by unreasonably extending the unfunded liabilities.
Legislative Reform
The Montana Republican Party recognizes the dedication and the efforts of legislators and their families to their constituents and the state of Montana.
We urge that the Montana Legislature continue to utilize modern technology to encourage a greater participation in the legislative process. All Montana citizens are welcome to travel to Helena to testify on any matter considered by the legislators should continue to be treated with courtesy and respect.
We believe that fair elections have become a reality through the passage of the Help America Vote Act.
We firmly believe that the Legislature is the lawmaking body of Montana. We support the responsible and judicious use of the initiative process and demand reasonable constitutional interpretations.
We do not support gerrymandering district boundaries for political or racial reasons.
We support reforming the redistricting process to be politically impartial and responsive to the input of local officials and the public following the Montana Constitution’s mandate to adopt districts that are as nearly equal in population as practical.
Rule Making
The Montana Republican Party recognizes a need to strengthen the legislative oversight of administrative rule making to ensure that the intent of the legislation not be exceeded or lost.
Budgeting
We encourage the legislature to enact zero based budgeting reviews for all existing agencies and programs.
The Montana Republican Party supports the adoption of the principles of sound budgeting, avoiding the use of one-time or time limited funding sources for ongoing expenses, and avoiding using fees for general fund purposes.
We encourage sound business practices that negotiate value that’s flexible and suitable to changing space requirements for state office space.
Election Laws
We suggest studying the benefits of forming a Western States Primary, with understanding that we welcome crossover voters from other parties.
TAXATION
Preamble
The Montana Republican Party believes that the role of government is to maintain an environment in which people can live and prosper as a result of individual initiative. This is achieved when government restrains its constitutional authority to tax and spend.
We understand and agree that the degree to which Montana’s economy remains resilient and dynamic relies primarily upon the tax policy of the state. The tax structure must be conducive to providing jobs by promoting independent business. Tax policy must recognize that policies which promote a high level of employment and good paying jobs provide a superior economic tax base as compared to policies reliant on excessive income redistribution Taxation should be used only to support necessary government functions and not for social planning.
State Tax Reform
The Montana Republican Party is committed to preserving previous Republican lead tax reductions which have been vitally important to the economic well-being of working Montanans. Toward this goal, the Republican Party is committed to:
ü Reducing Income Tax
ü Eliminating the Business Equipment Tax
ü Reducing Property Tax
ü Ensuring Equitable Property Tax Relief
ü Ensuring that all license and regulatory fees are strictly limited to the specific service provided
ü Ensuring the return of over-collected taxes through permanent tax relief
ü Ensuring the restraint of taxes and reduced government spending to protect the Constitutional mandate of a balanced budget
ü Ensuring against waste by requiring complete transparency in government spending
Federal Tax Recommendations
The Montana Republican Party urges Congress to review the federal tax code and to consider reforms that adhere to the principles of equity, fairness, and simplicity that would lead to reduction in spending, elimination of the deficit, and retirement of the debt. Believing it is irresponsible to burden future generations with debt incurred through excessive spending, we renew our support of those state legislatures calling for a constitutional resolution mandating a balanced federal budget and decreased federal spending. We further support and urge Congress to commit to:
ü Ensuring Social Security taxes are used solely for Social Security benefits
ü Ensuring federal surpluses are used to reduce federal debt and provide permanent tax relief
ü Ensuring reduced federal long-term capital gains taxes are retained
ü Ensuring against any new or increased federal taxes.
ü Repeal of the alternative minimum tax
ü Ensuring the permanent elimination of the estate tax
ü An option leading to Privatizing Social Security
TRANSPORTATION
Preamble
The Montana Republican Party recognizes that safe, efficient and competitive transportation system drives Montana’s economy and is the inherent connection between Montana’s agricultural and natural resource-based industries and the world market. Transportation is not only vital to Montana’s economic stability but to the national security of the United States of America.
The Montana Republican Party supports a viable public passenger and freight system including air, rail and motor carrier services for all of Montana’s cities and rural communities. In order to achieve these services, the Party encourages the development of a regional coalition to address the transportation requirements of Montana and the entire region.
Aviation
The Montana Republican Party recognizes that each mode of transportation is in one way or another dependent on the others. Montana, although lacking in some area, has a viable and established industry working to provide additional and more efficient air service.
The Montana Republican Party strongly supports air service in Montana, and encourages its involvement and participation in innovative improvements to further develop air services provided at all airports across Montana.
The Montana Republican Party supports the continued development and maintenance of commercial air service throughout Montana that would provide fair and equitable rates and connections. Additionally, the Party recognizes and supports the infrastructure requirements for commercial and private aviation.
Highway
The Montana Republican Party, based on the miles of highway in Montana, supports the current process of highway funding and opposes any diversion of highway trust or fuel tax monies that are collected for the purpose of highway infrastructure development and maintenance. The party encourages and supports the development of all Montana natural resources and alternative energies.
The Montana Republican Party supports international traffic/trade via the most economical and efficient route and mode available. The Party supports direct routing by maintaining current border crossings, expanded air and border custom stations as well as the efficient and expedient crossing of the border by travelers as long as it does not compromise the integrity of our security.
The Montana Republican Party encourages quality construction and engineering standards along with the enforcement of reasonable environmental standards to meet the long-term needs of Montana’s highway infrastructure.
Rail
Montana Republicans firmly believe Montana deserves and demands legitimate, reasonable and efficient rail service. The only mode of the three not actively pursuing a positive role in Montana’s transportation requirements is the railroad. Abandonment, inverse pricing and closures are the norms. Always the champion of free enterprise, Montana Republicans continue working diligently in putting railroad service back on the right track.
The Montana Republican Party recognizes that some railroad operations in Montana have deteriorated to primarily the originating of the unit trains of grain and coal. Now merely a tie on the bridge between Seattle and Chicago, Montana has intermodal services only at Billings and Butte, having lost the capabilities that were developed in the 80’s and 90’s as well as several of its smaller carload operations.
Being a captive state for rail transportation, the Montana Republican Party supports the improvement of rail services through the granting of trackage rights, regulatory initiatives, cooperation with other states and provinces, opposing unreasonable rail closures and abandonments, encouraging timely equipment availability with reasonable rates and the passage of National Rail Competition Act.
The Montana Republican Party supports the continued congressional funding of Amtrak essential passenger service to rural Montana and across the northern tier of the United States. The Party recognizes the importance of Amtrak in Montana’s passenger alternatives, which in 2006 had an economic impact of nearly 14 million dollars, provides good paying jobs, reduces highway maintenance and brought in at least five million tourist dollars per year.
Motor Carrier
The Montana Republican Party supports the motor carrier industry in providing safe and efficient highway services to the Montana public. Motor carriers provide a multitude of diverse applications in servicing the origins and destinations of the other modes and shippers.
The Montana Republican Party supports this industry as it continues to research and develop innovative length and weight combinations that would improve the efficiencies for the Montana shipper and consignee. Montana Republicans, also encouraging establishing uniform regulations between states and countries in the development of north-south as well as east-west trade corridors.