Candidate Questionnaire: Senate District 33

Denise Hayman (D) — Senate District 33

Adam Dewis (R) — Senate District 33

As of press time, Dewis had not responded to the Exponent’s questionnaire. Responses received after press time will be published on msuexponent.com.

Why did you decide to run for office?

Hayman: The most important reason for running for Senate District 33 is to protect the Montana Constitution. If republicans gain a super majority, they will try and amend this document that protects all Montanans rights. Important are “Rights to Privacy”, giving individuals rights to make decisions concerning their bodies, “Rights of Suffrage”, guarantees the right to a free and open election and finally, “Inalienable Rights” this includes the right to a clean and healthful environment. We need to protect these rights along with the many other rights afforded by our Constitution.

What issue should young Montanans be most concerned about right now? What legislation would you support to address it?

Hayman: On the ballot is LR 131 this referendum is unnecessary as we already have laws to protect infants. A living infant, no matter how they were born, already has rights under Montana state law, where infanticide is illegal and anyone who “purposely, knowingly, or negligently causes the death of a premature infant born alive, if the infant is viable” faces criminal penalties. The referendum’s suggestion that infants are being killed after an abortion, according to health care providers organizing against the act, is divorced from medical fact, and made in bad faith. I would support any legislation that protects the right to privacy.

How should the legislature address housing affordability in Montana?

Hayman: The legislature needs to remove the roadblocks it passed last session limiting authority of city and county governments to address this challenging issue. There needs to be tax credits for developers building for middle- and low-income Bozeman residents and a tax on second homes would help provide more housing.

What should the legislature’s top priority be for the education system in Montana?

Hayman: Adequate funding and pass inflation funding for public education.

What steps should the legislature take to address climate change and mitigate its impact on Montanans?

Hayman: Colstrip is one of the biggest generators of expensive dirty coal energy in the country. This plant has a complex ownership of in state and out state companies. Because we do not have a plan for the closure of Colstrip, Montana’s governor needs to provide leadership on the issue of the Colstrip closure. And the legislature needs to provide tax credits for solar and wind farms, with batteries, as replacement energy for Colstrip. As for climate change, the replacement of fossil fuels with clean affordable energy is the first step, secondly, providing ways that renters can participate in community solar, and in addition, adding electric vehicle charging stations are a few ways Montana Legislature can address this most serious issue.

Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you?

Hayman: Both of my children attended MSU and have benefitted from their education. I believe the State of Montana needs to continue to provide financial support to all universities, community colleges and job training programs so we can assure future students will have a chance of a successful future.