Fighting for the Frontier
Our work continues to break down government barriers so all Montanans can thrive.
“Of all the memorable views, the best have been framed by Montana windows” – William Hjortsberg
This last week, Frontier Institute hosted our 2021 Strategy Meeting in Helena. Frontier’s leadership celebrated our success this last year, with policymakers advancing seven out of our eight recommendations to unleash a robust economic recovery.
We also met with leaders from around the state, including Governor Gianforte, to begin marking out the work yet to be done to advance economic freedom in Montana.
We caught some fish too:
We feel blessed to live in this beautiful state with so many leaders dedicated to advancing freedom and free markets. While 2021 has already brought many successes, our work continues to break down government barriers so all Montanans can thrive.
For Liberty,
Kendall Cotton
. . .
The Latest
Affordable Housing
- In testimony, the Mayor of Bozeman “begged” Congress to provide funding to cities for affordable housing.
Our Take:
This plea for more tax dollars comes despite Bozeman having regulations on nearly 50% of residential areas that impede housing development. Subsidies will only continue to be wasted unless local leaders address the government barriers to building houses.
Same Old Problems
- It’s important to remember that Montana’s affordable housing crisis isn’t anything new. Here’s a blog I recently ran across detailing Whitefish’s housing problems way back in 2017. Recommended reading!
Our Take:
Government planners have been trying to subsidize and mandate their way out of Montana’s affordability crisis for years. It hasn’t solved the problem. It’s time to start focusing on the regulations and bureaucratic permitting processes that stifle housing development.
ICYMI
- Don’t miss our latest op-ed in Lee Newspapers outlining the work yet to be done to expand access to healthcare in Montana.
“Montanans could lose access to telehealth across state lines if policymakers do not make universal licensure recognition permanent.”
Our Take:
A few things that Montana can consider to keep the momentum to expand access to healthcare going:
- Make universal licensure recognition permanent to boost telehealth across state lines.
- Allow for physicians that retire in Montana to continue practicing.
Lower barriers for medical residents to get licensed and keep practicing in Montana.