As a Salish and Kootenai member, I ran for the Montana Legislature because I believe in breaking barriers and destroying sterotypes. In my two terms in the Montana Legislature, I passed legislation to bring more economic development to our Indian communities, legislation to protect our youth from sexual predators, and legislation to expand the statute limitations for victims to seek justice against a sexual abuser.
Through education and teamwork, our Montana State Legislature passed five bills to help address the missing and murdered indigenous people's epidemic. We provided language funding and immersion program assistance to help save our indigenous languages and cultural heritage in Montana. We expanded Medicaid and passed a law to allow for Community Health Aide programs in tribal facilities.
This is just a snap shot of what happens when you have equal representation in our government. With the support and voice of our Montana Indian Caucus and so many other legislators and partnering organizations, we have paved the path for a healthier and more prosperous Montana.
And this is one of the reasons I am running to be Montana's first Indian to serve as the State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. Because representation does matter. Indians make up almost 7% of Montana's population. Our governmet should be representative of our citizens and the State Auditor should work on behalf of all Montanans. I am the only auditor candidate with proven government experience. I will continue my record of instilling positive working relationships to destroy stereotypes.
I understand the needs of our communities, and I am committed to ensuring that every Montanan is protected from investment fraud, has acccess to affordable and quality healthcare, and is able to enjoy our public lands.
But, our democracy is at risk in Montana, just as it is in so many other states. Our donation limits are so low that it has become a rich person’s hobby to buy up elections here. I grew up in a low-income family on the Flathead Indian Reservation and throwing my life savings in would put my family on the brink of bankruptcy. To me this office is the difference between life and death for people.
If you have taken the time to read this, I’d ask that you to visit my website at www.shaneformontana.com to learn more about me and to support my campaign. Best always.
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