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By Mark Moran - Producer-Editor, Contact - News
Big Sky Connection - Advocates are taking a unique approach to get out the vote efforts for next week's election. They are throwing informational parties in various locations over the weekend designed to have fun while getting people involved in the democratic process. Comments from Adam Beaves (BEEVES') Fisher, deputy director, government and political relations, Western Native Voice.
Mark Moran
November 3, 2023 - Indigenous voting activists are throwing parties around Montana this weekend to encourage citizens to vote, but especially to encourage Native Americans to get involved in the democratic process.
Western Native Voice is working with Montana Conservation Voters to stress the importance of voting in next week's local elections. Adam Beaves-Fisher, deputy director for government and political relations, said it is important for all citizens to be democratically active, but it is especially essential for Montana's indigenous people to cast their ballots and use their voice because they have historically been disenfranchised.
"It's important for Native communities to be a part of our democratic process," he said, "to be able to create the future and be part of the decision-making process that affects them directly."
The events will be held on Saturday at the Big Horn Resort in Billings and Sunday at the Civic Center in Great Falls. The parties start at 4 p.m. on both days.
While voting is a serious issue and a civic responsibility, Beaves-Fisher said the parties are designed to give people something fun to do while they make community contacts and learn about the democratic process. Parties, he said, are not necessarily associated with get-out-the-vote efforts.
"We'll be having guest speakers, a free dinner," he said. "We'll have prizes, games. We'll also have local organizations attendees can connect with to hear about other opportunities to get involved."
Organizers are still looking for volunteers to help at both events. Elections Day is next Tuesday.
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PNS - Friday, November 3, 2023 - A vote to expel NY Rep. George Santos fails, Secretary of State Blinken calls for Israel to 'pause' its attacks, and Senators voice objection to Tommy Tuberville blocking military promotions.
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PNS - Friday, November 3, 2023 - MT advocates party like it's Election Day; a veto in store for unusual GOP Israel aid package; Arkansas librarian out of a job for not 'banning books.'
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By Mark Moran - Producer-Editor, Contact - News
Big Sky Connection - A new Montana law requires renters to provide medical evidence that they need an emotional-support animal before they can sign a lease. Landlords are now allowed to contact the potential tenant's health-care provider before they decide if they want to lease to someone with an emotional-support animal. Comments from Amy Hall, board member, Montana Fair Housing.
Mark Moran
November 2, 2023 - Fair-housing advocates are concerned about changes the Legislature made to tighten restrictions on emotional-support animals for Montana renters.
While Montana House Bill 703 prohibits a landlord from asking detailed questions about a potential renter's medical condition or diagnosis, landlords are now allowed to ask the renter's health care provider if their emotional support animal is medically necessary before deciding whether to rent to a tenant.
Amy Hall, a board member of the nonprofit Montana Fair Housing, said the law creates potential roadblocks for would-be tenants because it requires them to have a relationship with a Montana health care provider for at least a month before being able to provide verification to the landlord.
"Sometimes that can pose a hardship for tenants," Hall contended. "Because they may not have lived in Montana for 30 days and they may not have established a relationship with a provider here."
The law also holds tenants liable for damages the emotional support animal may do to the landlord's property. The statute only applies to emotional support animals. It does not apply to service animals such as seeing-eye dogs with special training to help people with disabilities perform everyday tasks.
Hall pointed out federal law still applies in Montana, which states the verification of the need for an emotional support animal does not always have to come from a certified medical professional in order for the applicant to get a lease. She added, however, it will take something more official than an online document -- which have become popular in recent years -- to verify the animal is medically and emotionally necessary for the renter.
"That's just a warning to all tenants out there," Hall stressed. "If your only verification that you need an emotional support animal is that you have some kind of online certificate, your landlord may question that, and may ask for sufficient verification of your need for the emotional support animal and of your disability."
The new law went into effect Oct. 1.
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