Legislative Candidate Survey – House Districts 60 – 80

Legislative Candidate Survey Responses, House Districts 60 – 80

To prepare for the 2025 legislative session, Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition invited the 2024 Montana Legislative Candidates to take part in a survey to share their views on important food and agriculture issues. The survey was sent electronically to all candidates who provided an email address in their legislative filings with the Montana Secretary of State. Seventy-eight legislative candidates provided answers to the survey.

A secondary purpose of the survey was to introduce candidates to Grow Montana’s priority areas and share a few resources for learning more about the issues the coalition works on.

Candidates were informed the results of this survey will be made available to coalition members and the public. Candidates were also informed their responses will be used solely for educational and informative purposes and will not be used as a scorecard or endorsement of individual candidates.

If you are unsure who your legislative candidate is, you can find out by entering your voting address in the search feature at the Montana Free Press’s Election Guide. If you would like assistance reaching out to your candidates, email the coalition using our Contact Form.

The full survey is available to read HERE.

HD60 Alanah Griffith (D)HD60 Jerry Johnson (R)HD61 Becky Edwards (D)HD63 Peter Strand (D)HD64 Jolene Crum (R)HD65 Brian Close (D)HD72 Andy Johnson (R)HD75 Nancy Lien (D)HD78 Glenn Lambert (D)HD79 Jill Sark (R)HD79 Luke Muszkiewicz (D)HD80 Melissa Romano (D)

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes

In order to expand in-state processing of locally grown and raised food for residents, other states have created workforce training programs in food processing and expanded grant opportunities for small and mid-scale processors. Please select any of the following measures you think Montana should explore.

Create a state-funded grant program for building and expanding processing capacity for Montana-grown and raised foods., Develop a workforce training program for butchers and meat cutters in partnership with the Montana Department of Agriculture., Increase funding and capacity for food safety education and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HAACP) training through MSU course offerings., I would want to see the cost versus the benefit, but generally I am supportive of these programs.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Maybe – I would like more information.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Yes

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Create a state-funded grant program to support schools in purchasing Montana grown foods, Provide state-funded partial reimbursement for schools’ purchases of Montana grown food, Increase funding for wages for school nutrition staff to increase capacity for cooking high-quality meals, Again, I generally support these ideas. I live in Big Sky and Lindsey, our cafeteria head, tries to do all of this on her current budget. I know that she would love to do more.

As described above, Montana currently has successful agriculturally focused educational programs that involve students and community members to learn more about where their food comes from and the farmers who produce it. Would you like to see these programs, or something similar, increased to more school districts?

Yes

There are five basic practices that can support approaches to fostering the long-term productivity and sustainability of soil in Montana’s agricultural lands. Are you familiar with any of these practices? Check all that apply:

Maximize Presence of Living Roots: Encourage continuous plant growth by having living roots in the soil as much as possible. This enhances soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Soil Cover: Keep the soil covered with vegetation, crop residues, or cover crops. Soil cover protects against erosion, conserves moisture, and supports microbial activity.

Maximize Biodiversity: Diverse plant species and beneficial organisms contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Biodiversity improves nutrient cycling and resilience.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity

Programs like the ones described above help Montanans access fresh, nutritious, locally grown products as a way to reduce healthcare costs. Please check the boxes of the programs you support/would like to expand:

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Food Banks and Food Pantries, Montana Produce Prescription Program, I would need more information about the cost to double the SNAP program, which I certainly support.

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Yes

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

No, I am not at this time. My district is not heavily involved in agriculture or ranch. Also, I am a Freshman Democrat and it would be best to have a Republican carry your bill in this environment. However, I have a number of ag and ranch clients and will certainly support legislation that promotes the ideas that are expressed here, so long as the budget can sustain those ideas.

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

I truly wish you the best. Thank you for this opportunity.

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Maybe – I would like more information.

Other methods that require less govt. funding and involvement

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Maybe – I would like more information.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Create local not for profits that can help with these needs.

Yes.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity

Food Banks and Food Pantries

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Maybe – I would like more information

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

Not as of today

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Maybe – I would like more information

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Yes.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Yes.

Maximize Presence of Living Roots: Encourage continuous plant growth by having living roots in the soil as much as possible. This enhances soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Soil Cover: Keep the soil covered with vegetation, crop residues, or cover crops. Soil cover protects against erosion, conserves moisture, and supports microbial activity.,

Maximize Biodiversity: Diverse plant species and beneficial organisms contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Biodiversity improves nutrient cycling and resilience.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Double SNAP Dollars, Food Banks and Food Pantries, Montana Produce Prescription Program

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Yes.

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

Not yet…

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Maybe – I would like more information

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

I’m an Iowa farm kid who has lived in Montana for 26 years. My father was a wildlife biologist and soil scientist so we adopted no-till farming early. Ag is deep in my roots and I’d love to assist. Thank you for all you do.

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Yes.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Create a state-funded grant program to support schools in purchasing Montana grown foods, Provide state-funded partial reimbursement for schools’ purchases of Montana grown food, Increase funding for wages for school nutrition staff to increase capacity for cooking high-quality meals, It was clear to me as a longtime educator that when kids ate meaningful, quality food, they were much stronger students. Investment in food for kids is investment in student success.

Yes.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Biodiversity: Diverse plant species and beneficial organisms contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Biodiversity improves nutrient cycling and resilience.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Double SNAP Dollars, Food Banks and Food Pantries, Montana Produce Prescription Program

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Maybe – I would like more information

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

not at this point

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Yes.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

Thanks for your work in this essential area!

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Yes.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Yes

Maximize Presence of Living Roots: Encourage continuous plant growth by having living roots in the soil as much as possible. This enhances soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Soil Cover: Keep the soil covered with vegetation, crop residues, or cover crops. Soil cover protects against erosion, conserves moisture, and supports microbial activity.

Maximize Biodiversity: Diverse plant species and beneficial organisms contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Biodiversity improves nutrient cycling and resilience.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Yes.

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

Not yet

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Yes.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Create a state-funded grant program for building and expanding processing capacity for Montana-grown and raised foods., Develop a workforce training program for butchers and meat cutters in partnership with the Montana Department of Agriculture., Increase funding and capacity for food safety education and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HAACP) training through MSU course offerings., Recruit the community college system for support & training

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Yes.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Yes.

Maximize Presence of Living Roots: Encourage continuous plant growth by having living roots in the soil as much as possible. This enhances soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Soil Cover: Keep the soil covered with vegetation, crop residues, or cover crops. Soil cover protects against erosion, conserves moisture, and supports microbial activity.

Maximize Biodiversity: Diverse plant species and beneficial organisms contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Biodiversity improves nutrient cycling and resilience.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity.

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Double SNAP Dollars, Food Banks and Food Pantries, Montana Produce Prescription Program

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Yes.

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

No.

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Maybe – I would like more information

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Develop a workforce training program for butchers and meat cutters in partnership with the Montana Department of Agriculture., Increase funding and capacity for food safety education and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HAACP) training through MSU course offerings.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Yes.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Yes.

Maximize Presence of Living Roots: Encourage continuous plant growth by having living roots in the soil as much as possible. This enhances soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Biodiversity: Diverse plant species and beneficial organisms contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Biodiversity improves nutrient cycling and resilience.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Food Banks and Food Pantries, Montana Produce Prescription Program

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Yes.

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

No.

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

No.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

I’m a miner. No knowledge of farming.

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Yes.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Yes.

Maximize Presence of Living Roots: Encourage continuous plant growth by having living roots in the soil as much as possible. This enhances soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Soil Cover: Keep the soil covered with vegetation, crop residues, or cover crops. Soil cover protects against erosion, conserves moisture, and supports microbial activity.

Maximize Biodiversity: Diverse plant species and beneficial organisms contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Biodiversity improves nutrient cycling and resilience.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Double SNAP Dollars, Food Banks and Food Pantries, Montana Produce Prescription Program

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Yes.

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Yes.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

Hi to Mom

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Yes.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Create a state-funded grant program to support schools in purchasing Montana grown foods, Provide state-funded partial reimbursement for schools’ purchases of Montana grown food.

Yes.

Maximize Presence of Living Roots: Encourage continuous plant growth by having living roots in the soil as much as possible. This enhances soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Soil Cover: Keep the soil covered with vegetation, crop residues, or cover crops. Soil cover protects against erosion, conserves moisture, and supports microbial activity.

Maximize Biodiversity: Diverse plant species and beneficial organisms contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Biodiversity improves nutrient cycling and resilience.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Double SNAP Dollars, Food Banks and Food Pantries

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Yes.

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Yes.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Maybe – I would like more information.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Provide state-funded partial reimbursement for schools’ purchases of Montana grown food.

Yes.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Food Banks and Food Pantries

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Maybe – I would like more information

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Maybe – I would like more information

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Yes.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Yes.

Maximize Presence of Living Roots: Encourage continuous plant growth by having living roots in the soil as much as possible. This enhances soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Soil Cover: Keep the soil covered with vegetation, crop residues, or cover crops. Soil cover protects against erosion, conserves moisture, and supports microbial activity.

Maximize Biodiversity: Diverse plant species and beneficial organisms contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Biodiversity improves nutrient cycling and resilience.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity.

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Double SNAP Dollars, Food Banks and Food Pantries, Montana Produce Prescription Program

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Yes.

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

Not at this time.

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Yes.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

Thank you!

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Yes.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Yes.

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Double SNAP Dollars, Food Banks and Food Pantries, Montana Produce Prescription Program

Toggle Content goes here

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Yes.

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

Not at this time, but I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and learn more about how I can work with you next session when re-elected to pass meaningful legislation next year.

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Yes.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

I look forward to working with the Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition when re-elected, specifically on implementing and expanding programs in our schools.

Candidates that did not complete survey, HD 60 – 80

HD61	Thomas	Carlson	R
HD62	Joshua	Seckinger	D
HD62	Owen	Lang	R
HD63	Mark	Lewis	R
HD64	Kelly	Kortum	D
HD65	Esther	Fishbaugh	R
HD66	Eric	Matthews	D
HD66	Marla	Davis	R
HD67	Jedediah	Hinkle	R
HD67	Carl	Anderson	D
HD68	Caleb	Hinkle	R
HD68	Alexander	Colafrancesco	D
HD69	Kenneth	Walsh	R
HD70	Shannon	Maness	R
HD71	Scott	DeMarois	D
HD71	H	Steiger	R
HD72	Donovan	Hawk	D
HD73	Jennifer	Lynch	D
HD73	Zach	Tomaszewski	R
HD74	Marc	Lee	D
HD74	Trenin	Bayless	R
HD75	Marta	Bertoglio	R
HD76	John	Fitzpatrick	R
HD76	Elena	Gagliano	Lib
HD77	Jane	Gillette	R
HD77	Jeremiah	Dawson	D
HD78	Randyn	Gregg	R
HD80	Rachel	Burright	R

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Legislative Candidate Survey – House Districts 60 – 80

Legislative Candidate Survey Responses, House Districts 60 – 80

Candidates that did not complete survey, HD 60 – 80

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