What the Helena

Latest Episodes:

21. We Sued the State! Sep 16, 2022

Show notes

First things first, rest assured: Montana’s legislature is not, in fact, in session (yet). BUT, the consequences of the messy AF 2021 Legislative Session (and the lawsuits it triggered) are still reverberating through the state. That’s why we decided to relaunch What the Helena.

Here’s what we’ve got in store for you with this relaunch: an exclusive conversation with Rylee Sommers-Flanagan, the Executive Director of Upper Seven Law and one of the incredible lawyers representing Forward Montana Foundation in our voting rights lawsuit against the state. We talk about the importance of youth leadership, the shadiness of last-minute lawmaking, and what it’s been like to fight the state’s attempts to keep young people away from the ballot box.

You can find Upper Seven Law on Twitter @UpperSevenLaw, and online at www.uppersevenlaw.com.

You can find Forward Montana on Instagram at Twitter @forward_montana, on Tiktok @forwardmontana, and online at forwardmontana.org (where you can find the job descriptions for our open positions!).

This episode was hosted and edited by Izzy Milch. The cover art for What the Helena was designed by Angie Hoàng.

20. Mini Episode: WTH Just Happened?!?! ft. The Leg Crew May 09, 2021

Show notes

Well, friends, we did it. The session is over, the Capitol building is eerily empty, and we're all ready for a several-month-long nap. Before we crawl into bed, we thought we'd leave you with this: a very short, very giggly conversation with our legislative organizing team. To learn more about what happened this session and where we stand now, read our wrap-up issue of What the Helena.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram for updates on where we go from here.

Now, take a break. Recoup. Then, we keep fighting.

19. Last Call (It's So Hard to Say Goodbye) May 02, 2021

Show notes

Well, friends, we made it. The legislative session has come to a close. All that's left to do is make one last round of phone calls to Governor Gianforte before we pack up, regroup, and continue the work in our communities. This is our final regular episode, but tune in next week for one last hurrah, where we'll talk about what things look like for us moving forward-- featuring some very, very special guests. Thanks for coming on this wild ride with us-- we'll miss ya.

Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode:

NO to HB112

NO to HB506, HB651, and HB530.

If you've enjoyed What the Helena and want to support us in continuing this work, consider making a donation.

18. New Laws, Colonial Attitudes, and a Rapidly Approaching Finish Line Apr 25, 2021

Show notes

Well folks, we've reached the point in the session where lots of bills, most of them bad, are being signed into law. BUT! There's still time to make your voice heard on some VERY important issues. Today, we're bringing you updates on the last big pushes before the end of the session to protect trans Montanans, tribal sovereignty, and corporate accountability. We're so close; let's finish strong!

Check out this list of Montana housing resources, and connect with the Montana Housing Coalition to keep working towards an affordable future.

Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode:

NO to HB112 and SB280

NO to HB651

NO to SB214

NO to HB695

NO to SB399 and SB159

17. Exciting Wins, Extreme Makeovers, and Veto Pressure ft. Eliza Donahue, Brianna Shadle, and David Samollow Apr 18, 2021

Show notes

We are THRILLED to bring you some exciting news about big bad bills going down! Of course, there's still work to do: we also have updates on voting rights attacks, tax codes, NorthWestern Energy trickery, and which bills are awaiting their fate on the Governor's desk. Plus, climate organizer Eliza Donahue and FMT intern Brianna Shadle interview David Samollow from Earthtone Outside MT about working to create space and community for people of color in Montana's great outdoors.

Check out the upcoming protest at the Capitol against the anti-trans sports ban, HB112.

Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode:

NO to HB651

NO to SB399

Thank your senator for voting NO on SB100

NO to SB379

NO to HB273, HB481, and HB576

Thank your senator for voting NO on HB244

16. SPECIAL EPISODE: A Constitutional Crisis?! ft. Rep. Laurie Bishop Apr 15, 2021

Show notes

We are coming at you with another very special, very important episode! As if this legislative session weren't wild enough, we are now witnessing an unprecedented attempt from Republicans to undermine the nonpartisanship and power of the Montana judiciary. The courts exist to check the power of the executive and legislative branches. If that power check is jeopardized, we could find ourselves (and our rights) in some very sticky situations. Rep. Laurie Bishop joined us to discuss the details of what's going down in Helena, and what's at stake for all Montanans.

15. BONUS EPISODE: The Affordable Housing Crisis ft. David Ailanjian and Heidi West Apr 14, 2021

Show notes

It's no secret that cities and towns across Montana are experiencing an affordable housing crisis. In this very special bonus episode, Forward Montana intern David Ailanjian interviews Missoula City Councilperson Heidi West about some of the tools local government has to address this problem, as well as the challenges posed by this legislative session.

14. ARPA, Initiatives, and the Future of Affordable Housing ft. David Ailanjian and Hermina Harold Apr 11, 2021

Show notes

Well, folks, we've reached a new milestone in the legislative session: it's time to add the Governor's office to your speed dial. We've got updates for you on anti-trans legislation, ballot initiatives, and more. PLUS, a very special interview with Hermina Harold, the director of Trust Montana, conducted by FMT intern, David Ailanjian! They get into current affordable housing efforts in Montana and what the path to an equitable housing future might look like. Tune in for a bonus episode on Wednesday to hear from David and Heidi West, Missoula City Councilperson, and learn more about local governments' affordable housing tools!

Submit to our LGBTQ2S+ Zine!

Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode:

NO to HB112, HB427, SB215, and SB280

NO to HB259, HB401, HB402, HB439, and HB541

NO to SB100

NO to HB651

NO to HB176 and HB169

NO to HB448

NO to SB379

NO to HB632

13. Healthcare, Community Care, WE Care! Apr 04, 2021

Show notes

Comin' at you this week with all the usual suspects: voter suppression, student debt, threats to healthcare access, and continued attacks on trans Montanans. As we speed toward the end of the session, more and more bills are making their way to the Governor's desk. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for all the most up-to-date calls to action!

Coming up:

Tuesday, April 6 -- Join us and some of our partners for a virtual Public Lands Rally from 12-1pm. We’ll hear short speeches from Conrad Anker (climber, mountaineer, & author), Francine Spang-Willis (board member, Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation), Rachel Schmidt (former director, Office of MT Outdoor Recreation), and Andrew Posewitz (sportsman & hunting ethics advocate). And we’ll remind our legislators to protect the lands we love.

If you identify as LGBTQ2S+, consider submitting art, writing, or a letter of support to our upcoming zine by April 9th.

If you need to be with other trans folks right now or if you are a parent of a trans, nonbinary, or Two Spirit child and want to talk with people who understand, email paxton@mhrn.org for information about support groups facilitated by the Montana Gender Alliance. If there is other support you need and can’t find, or if you have dreams for what community support could look like moving forward, contact Izzy at izzy@forwardmontana.org.

Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode!

NO to HB176 and SB169

NO to HB689

NO to SB100 and HB676

NO to HB481

NO to SB379

12. Energy Battles, Billion Dollar Bailout, and Money for Montana! ft. Anne Hedges and Conor Ploeger Mar 28, 2021

Show notes

It seems like we say this every week, but we've got a LOT to talk about! From the American Rescue Plan Act, to Montana's budget debates, to moral panics and more, we've got all the updates for you. Plus, a conversation with climate superheroes Anne Hedges and Conor Ploeger from the Montana Environmental Information Center about energy and environmental legislation to watch.

Upcoming events:

Monday, March 29 -- Join the MT chapter of the Sierra club for a virtual phone bank -- we’ll be calling our communities about HB481, a bill to add severe penalties for fossil fuel protest

Tuesday, April 6 -- Join us and many of our partners for a virtual Public Lands Rally

Bills in this episode:

NO to HB112 and HB427

NO to SB215 and SB280

NO to HB273

NO to HB475 and HB576

YES! to HB654