In the 2025 Montana State Legislature, the future of Montana is at stake. For this reason, I am eager to serve the North Flathead region as your senator. With eight years of legislative experience and 24 years as a school trustee, I am ready to make a difference for all Montanans.

During this interim period between sessions, I have been appointed to two critical commissions. On the Behavioral Health Systems for Future Generations Commission, I collaborate with citizens and mental health experts to recommend spending for $300 million allocated by the 2023 legislature to address the needs of those with developmental disabilities and mental illness. We have been meeting statewide taking input from hundreds of users of our system. Additionally, I serve on the Property Tax Task Force to address the inequities of our property tax system. Montana families and businesses cannot afford the skyrocketing tax increases. 

Affordability, particularly in housing, remains a pressing issue. My work in the past session’s major housing bill led to an increase in the revolving fund of low-interest loans from the Coal Trust, from $15 million to $65 million for affordable housing. We must continue working with counties and municipalities to develop effective housing policies that remove barriers to workforce housing.

Access to affordable healthcare is in a dangerous state. In 2025, the Montana Legislature will vote to reauthorize Medicaid Expansion, which provides health insurance to low-income working Montanans with a 10-1 match from the federal government. I support this program because it is the right thing to do, provides a significant economic boost for the state and keeps our small rural hospitals remain open.

I’m already fighting for these issues and want to continue representing you, your families, your businesses and our communities in the 2025 Montana Legislature. Please support and vote on November 5th are crucial.

• Dave Fern, Candidate, Montana Senate District 2 - 2024