Research before you vote

It's that time again. Political door to doors. This time it was "Americans for Prosperity" that came knocking at my door.

Well, I'll get right to the point and just say that after researching what they are saying – it's false and slanderous. I don't know everything that Linda Reksten has done in office, but if they have to point at HB 231, HB 245, and HB 2 as her "low" points, then she must be doing an outstanding job.

HB 2 is the budget, and despite what they claim, the budget went up by roughly 2 percent, which is less than inflation. There are some nuanced concerns regarding revenue sources and future costs, but it's all speculative and long-term forecasting.

HB 245 is an important bill that helps real Montanans who are struggling to get medical care, while also trimming the fat of a private-sector middleman company being part of the process for that program.

HB 231 helps real Montanans. It lowers property taxes for anyone who's not rich enough already.

The bill also reduces the base percent that farmers pay on property tax. If you're a farmer and you're paying more in property taxes this year then you need to look at your local governance that have increased mill levies.

So while I didn't know about any of this until AFP came knocking at my door trying to use these bills as reasons to smear your work, all I have to say is this: Thank you, Linda Reksten for putting real Montanans first.

Do your research before you vote, and don't believe what you’re told before you verify it!

– John Bishop, Polson