Montana Republicans

MONTANA REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM

Adopted June 19, 2010

 

Agriculture

 

Preamble


The Montana Republican Party recognizes that agriculture is of prime importance to the prosperity and growth of this state.  Agriculture is the largest industry in Montana.  We recommend the elimination of unnecessary regulations and the preservation of private property rights.

 

Brucellosis


The presence of brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone area has an adverse impact on the hunting and cattle industries in Montana. We support eradicating brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone area and working toward the elimination of split-state or designated surveillance area status.

 

Predators, Rodents, & Wolves


We support those actions that would ensure the safety and protection of Montana's agriculture from predators, rodents, and wolves. 

We strongly oppose the artificial introduction or augmentation of any threatened or endangered species.

 

 We support the delisting of wolves from the Endangered Species List and the management of wolves by the State of Montana at liberal harvest limits.

 

Weed and Pest Control

 

We urge state and national agencies and corporations and individual property owners to promote the development of practical, safe, and effective programs for the control of harmful weeds and insects through such means as chemical, biological, and cultural methods. 


We support the harmonization of agriculture chemicals between Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

 

Farm Marketing


We support updated federal grain standards that are competitive in the world market.

 

We support fair trade agreements concerning meat, livestock, grain, and lumber as long as excessive imports of these products do not cause a negative impact on our economy.

 

We support an actuarially sound multi-peril livestock and crop insurance program. 

  

We very strongly oppose the selective use of agricultural commodities as a weapon in the foreign policy of our nation, by such means as grain embargoes and trade sanctions.

 

We oppose CAP & TRADE policies for the adverse affects on Agriculture and the Montana way of life.

 

We support the adoption of bio-technical agricultural production standards based on sound science.

 

Private Property

 

We will defend the right to acquire, possess, and protect private property from unnecessary government infringement, including state laws or regulations which erode property rights and inhibit the free use, the right to privacy, and the enjoyment of private property.

 

We support Montana Agriculture Producers and Private Property Land Owners right to pursue agricultural endeavors.

Therefore, the government should not interfere with a property owner’s lawful use of property without due process and just compensation.

 

When fee title to private property is taken by the government by eminent domain, it must only be taken for a public use in which the government owns and the public uses the property. When eminent domain takings occur, the government should compensate the private property owner for the full market value of any property that is taken. When the government takes less than the full title or value of the property, whether by eminent domain or regulation, just compensation must be provided to cover the diminished value of the property.

 

We support property owners' fundamental right to control access to private land. 

                                                                                                                              

 We support cooperative agreements or programs for recreational use which protect and recognize the rights, interests and stewardship of Montana landowners, while retaining Montana’s outdoor recreational heritage and rights.

 

We oppose conservation easement requirements that would limit productivity of agriculture land and further erode the tax base of Montana counties.

 

Meat


We recommend more rigid inspection of all imported meats and other foods to guarantee a high quality product to the consumer.  We support a Montana meat packing industry that would provide clean, quality meat products to the nation’s consumers. 

 

Water


We support all uses of water (agriculture, industrial, individual, state, federal, and tribal) be established under state water law and further urge the adjudication of all water rights in state courts to comply with the Montana Constitution. 

 

We believe that wilderness areas have no implied water rights in their designation and that all water rights in wilderness areas are subject to state sovereignty. 

 

We urge the consideration of flow rate, as opposed to volume, in the adjudication of water rights. 

 

 

We strongly oppose federal laws and regulations designed to control Montana lands and waters including revisions to the Clean Water Act.

 

State and Federal Lands


We endorse the concept of multiple use of state and Federal lands.  We support the "no net gain” philosophy in the acquisition of land by government or tax exempt entities.

 

We urge administrators of state lands to adopt an appeals process that discourages or eliminates frivolous actions.

 

We support good land stewardship and the development of state land resources.

 

Animal Care


We oppose any legislative or regulatory actions that would adversely affect good animal husbandry practices.

We advocate the humane transportation of all animals.

 

AMERICAN INDIAN AFFAIRS

 

Preamble


The Montana Republican Party fully supports American Indian tribes and their governments and full legal rights of American Indian individuals, on and off reservations.

 

Human Services


We recognize that the State of Montana is bound to follow the Indian Child Welfare Act. 

                   

State Administration

 

We support the state of Montana’s continued development of business relationships with tribal governments and individuals.

 

We support the creation of a Republican American Indian task force to meet with American Indians and develop further suggestions regarding party positions pertaining to American Indian issues. 

 

Economic Development

 

We encourage state and federal governments to provide equal access to training for American Indians to develop expanded job opportunities.

 

We applaud all American Indian business development.

 

We support Republican values education in Indian country.

 

We recommend that the Republican National Committee establish an American Indian Caucus and fund Republican values education in Indian Country.

BUSINESS AND LABOR

 

Preamble

 

We believe that prosperity results from freedom, and that the unencumbered free market is the most efficient method of allocating resources and setting fair prices and wages with a minimum of government interference and regulations. .  

 

Employment

 Montana's greatest resource is its skilled/educated workforce.  We encourage all employers to hire Montana workers, and we urge that our workforce be advertised as an incentive for attracting new business and industry into Montana.

 

We support workforce training programs for all businesses. 

 

We support equal opportunities and responsibilities for all persons, without regard to age, sex, race, religion, or disability.  We advocate equal pay for equal work.

 

We believe that work rules and membership in labor bargaining units must remain free and flexible.

 

We encourage and support private sector efforts to update and improve Montana's communications infrastructure. 

 

We support the payment of local prevailing wages for projects funded by local tax dollars. 

 

We encourage high wage jobs provided by our renewable and nonrenewable resource industries. We embrace the concept of multiple use and encourage the environmentally sound development of Montana's natural resources by the private sector. 

 

We support and encourage new and existing businesses in Montana.  We recognize the importance of employers, especially small business employers, as the source of economic growth in Montana.  We support and encourage new capital investment in the Montana economy. 

 

Worker's Compensation


We advocate a workers' compensation system that continues the reforms adopted by the Republican Legislature to reduce fraud and abuse, improve claims management, address safety in the workplace, and provide workers with reasonable benefits.  We encourage private sector competition with the state fund to encourage further efficiencies, and enhance benefits to both employers and employees.

 

Government


We believe that the role of government in economic development is to cooperate with the private sector in a non-competitive fashion. 

 

We oppose unfunded government mandates.

 

We support the concept of privatization of government services, where practical, as a method of reducing the state's expenditures and increasing the efficiency of state government.  Government programs should be restricted to those services, which cannot be provided by the private sector.

 

We believe in transparency in government. 

 

Regulations


We advocate that all state regulations and statutes be assessed and, as appropriate, amended or repealed based on whether a taking of private property may occur.  Where a taking is unavoidable, public policy must insist on fair and full compensation to the property owner. 

 

We continue to support Republican efforts to reduce the size of state government without imposing economic hardship on any government employee. 

 

We encourage the appointment of citizens with private sector experience and business knowledge to government advisory boards and agency positions whenever possible. 

 

We support the active cooperation of government and our basic industries in exploring opportunities for the export of Montana products in the world market.  We also advocate further research into value-added production of Montana’s resources.

 

Tort Reform


Tort reform remains an important issue in Montana that must be addressed by both the state and federal governments in an effort to reduce frivolous lawsuits and unreasonable awards, driving up the costs of products and services.

Crime

 

Preamble

 

The Montana Republican Party supports fair and equal enforcement of our criminal laws.  Every person in Montana has a right to live free from fear of crime.  We support victims' rights issues and requiring criminals to make restitution to their victims.                       

 

We support the concept of individual responsibility; that each person is solely responsible for his or her actions.  We support laws that remove persistent felony offenders from society.

 

In order to promote public safety, increase public confidence and hold lawbreakers accountable, we support the following goals of Montana’s criminal justice system.

 

Truth in Sentencing

 

The public has a right to know, at the time of sentencing, the minimum amount of time a criminal will be incarcerated and under what conditions the criminal may be eligible for parole.  The level of supervision at various states in the sentencing will be explained at the sentencing hearing.

 

Lifetime Supervision for Convicted Sexual Offenders

 

The Republican Party supports lifetime registration, monitoring, and supervision of convicted sexual offenders and timely notification of their pending release to victims and local (city and county) law enforcement. 

 

We support legislation that requires local law enforcement to be notified of the relocation of sexual offenders, and urge the local media to report these same facts. The information available to law enforcement will aggressively be disseminated to the public on the Attorney General’s website and by other proactive means.

 

School Safety

 

Every school must have the authority to expel, or otherwise discipline a student who brings a firearm, dangerous weapon, or illegal substances to school or commits or incites others to commit an act of violence toward teachers and/or students.

 

Homosexual Acts

 

We support the clear will of the people of Montana expressed by legislation to keep homosexual acts illegal.

 

Youth Court

 

Youth Court should focus on responsibility and accountability through immediate, consistent, enforceable, and avoidable consequences for those who violate the law.  Young lawbreakers must be made aware that their actions will have consequences.  In the case of juvenile offenses, custodial parents or guardians must be a part of the restitution and rehabilitation process.

 

Prison Reform

 

We support prison reform requiring appropriate work for inmates; the development of alternative community-based restorative justice programs and facilities for prisoners convicted of non-violent crime; and prison living conditions which are humane, safe and, secure but without amenities so as to discourage recidivism. Any new Department of Corrections facility must be approved by the voters of the community in which is proposed.

 

Sexual Offense Victims

 

We believe that expenditures of state funds should prioritize restitution and treatment of victims of sexual offenses and their families before treatment for those who commit sexual offenses.

 

Restitution

 

Criminals have an obligation to repay victims or victims' families for the cost of the crime.  The restitution obligation should be addressed at sentencing and a portion of the offender’s earnings should be applied to restitution.

 

Limit Appeals

 

We urge the federal government to expedite appeal(s) in death penalty cases and restrict frivolous lawsuits by inmates, recognizing that the costs are borne by the taxpayers of Montana.

 

Jury Authority

 

We reaffirm the principle espoused by our nation's founders that our court system belongs to the people, not the government.  We recognize both the power and the moral obligation vested in juries to secure justice by judging both the facts of a case and application of the law itself.  We support requiring judges to fully inform jurors of their constitutional rights and responsibilities.

 

Seatbelts

 

We oppose laws that would change Montana’s seatbelt law from a secondary offense to a primary offense except with respect to child restraint systems.  Montana drivers should be punished for driving illegally and not because the driver was driving in a safe manner, without wearing a seatbelt.

 

Cyber Crime

 

Cyber crime is a growing menace that the legislature should continue to investigate and deal with appropriately.  We support new laws establishing a separate penalty against internet predators who communicate with a child online and then travel to meet that child for the specific purpose of further sexually abusing him or her, and to establish penalties for offenders who misrepresent their age to seduce a child over the internet.

 

Drugs and Alcohol

 

The legislature should continue its efforts to deal effectively with those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  We recognize the danger that methamphetamine poses to our society.  We support stronger penalties for repeat offenders. We support alternatives and options to reduce recidivism.

 

Medical Use of Marijuana

 

We recognize that a significant problem exists with Montana's current laws regarding the medical use of marijuana and we support action by the next legislature to amend or repeal the Medical Marijuana Act.

 

Parental Rights

 

Parents shall be allowed to reasonably discipline their children, without legal consequences.

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 

The Montanan Republican Party supports creating a climate that favors the prosperity of Montana businesses and we support the creation of a business-friendly state that fosters good paying jobs through private sector economic development. Our goal is to promote existing businesses in the state of Montana, attract new industries and to further these aims we have adopted the following positions:

 

The limited application of economic regulations should be consistent, responsible, efficient and should not limit or restrict the exercise of free enterprise.   

 

We recognize that lowering the tax burden aids in fostering economic opportunity and growth within the state.  A broad-based, equitable, competitive and consistent tax structure is critical to growing businesses and attracting good-paying jobs to the state.

 

Education of our citizenry plays a critical role in providing a highly skilled workforce.  Research and innovation are critical to meeting the emerging demands of business. 

 

Responsible development of our natural resources and promotion of our agricultural industries are necessary to grow our economy.  The promotion of technology in all sectors plays a vital role in the economic progress of the state.

 

EDUCATION

 

 Preamble

The Montana Republican Party is dedicated to having the most highly educated and skilled individuals in the country. We support equal opportunity to educational access.  Education must be accountable to families and taxpayers.

 

Public School Funding

We support:

  • The creation of a transparent and accountable school funding formula.
  • The use of school trust properties, and their natural resources to fund our schools.
  • Districts to pursue innovations and administrative efficiencies; to direct more money to classrooms.
  • Working towards weaning our state educational system off of federal tax dollars and the mandates that are tied to them.
  • Allow local school boards to consider administrative efficiencies to more fully fund the classroom.

 

Local Control

We support:

  • Increased discretion of local school boards to allocate academic and vocational funds.
  • Allow school boards greater flexibility with accreditation standards.
  • Public school trustees to provide daily opportunity for students to have voluntary prayer and to recite the  Pledge of Allegiance

Basic System of Quality Schools

We Support:

  • An education system that puts the students first.
  • Curriculum that emphasizes the America Free Enterprise system.
  • Distance learning educational opportunities for every student in Montana.
  • The teaching of fine arts, vocational skills and technical education.
  • The teaching of American and Montana History, along with Founding Documents of our state and Nation should be taught at all levels.  
  • Dual enrollment to encourage educational development.
  • Alternative certification to promote highly qualified teachers for our classrooms.
  • Greater coordination between secondary and higher education to reduce remedial classes in college based on the career needs of the student.

  

Educational Choice

We Support:

  • The right of parents to choose the way in which their children shall be educated.
  • Freedom of choice for public, private, church, charter, or home schooling.
  • Educational tax credit scholarship for school choice.
  • Competition in the educational marketplace strengthens both public and private education
  • Creating an environment in which charter schools can prosper.

 

 

 

Vocational and Technical Education

We Support: 

  • Separate and autonomous two-year system of education.
  • Expansion of Vo-Tech schools, Community Colleges, Colleges of Technology and Tribal Colleges opportunities.

 

Montana University System

We Support: 

  • The Montana University System as a resource to responding to technology changes, and the national and international economies.
  • Our University system should be efficiently organized, and accessible to all Montana Citizens.
  • The permanent ban of fees and collection of fees for special interest groups.
  • Opportunities for advanced professional training for Montana students including Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education (WICHE) and the Washington Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI) Regional Medical Training Program. 

 

HUMAN SERVICES

 

Preamble


The Montana Republican party recognizes that the individual has primary responsibility for his or her own health and welfare. We support efforts to improve the Montana human service delivery system by continuing to reassess the programs and participation of each department providing these services. 

 

We support treatment and care whenever possible in a family related manner at the local or community level.  The Montana Republican Party affirms its belief and support for family values.

 

Welfare


We support systems to help citizens exercise their responsibility and right to pursue life 's basic necessities in order to become self-supporting citizens. Administration of welfare programs should be returned to local government whenever possible.  We support the concept of workfare, wherein those who are eligible for benefits might perform some meaningful labor, if able, as a condition of receiving benefits.  We support time limits on benefits.  Job training programs should always be designed to increase self-sufficiency by placing people in long-term jobs. 

 

We urge fiscal control of social services programs and support continuing efforts to reduce administrative costs and eliminate fraud in health and welfare programs 

 

Human Life


We affirm our belief in traditional family values and support the preservation of innocent human life at every stage of life beginning at conception.  In concert with this belief:


1)  We support efforts to provide parental notification and consent, and informed consent in all cases involving abortion;

2)  We support those individuals and organizations seeking to provide positive alternatives to abortion, such as streamlined adoption; 3)  We oppose assisted suicide;

4)  We oppose partial birth abortion;

5)  We support a moratorium on human cloning for any purpose;

6)  We support non-embryonic stem cell research;

7)  We support abstinence education.

 

Health Care

We support the repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare.

 

We support programs to improve human service delivery, especially those that have private grant participation.  We support the appropriate cooperation among departments charged with the delivery of services to children and families.

 

We support patients ' maximum freedom of choice of health care providers and the type of care desired.  We recognize the need for basic health care for all Montanans. 

 

We support strengthening community mental health programs at an affordable cost to all.  Community-based services now being designed should be strengthened in order to help persons severely disabled by mental illness to achieve independence in the areas of employment, living arrangements, and social relationships.  

 

We support the use of nurse practitioners and physicians ' assistants, supervised by qualified physicians, especially in rural areas without health care within a reasonable distance.  We believe that linking hospitals in larger communities with health care facilities in smaller communities through an advanced communications network would partially address these difficulties.  We also support consideration of tax credits, low-cost equipment loans, and rural care residency programs for licensed health care providers to encourage their settlement in rural areas. 

 

Care for the Elderly


We support the availability of programs such as nursing homes, assisted living, home health care, hospice services, and other programs that allow people to live in their own homes and communities.  We support the use of modern communications technology that would enable health care providers to monitor vital data without being physically present.   We urge the examination of an increased role for the family in these responsibilities and welcome the development of incentives to encourage family members to care for each other.

 

Handicapped Care


We support home and community-based living arrangements, work opportunities, and basic services to assist the disabled in attaining a higher level of independent living.  We encourage continued efforts to assist families in caring for the disabled in the family setting.  We recognize that good institutional care should be available when needed.  We believe independent living can be greatly enhanced by a modern telecommunications system capable of two-way interaction.  We support programs that give greater opportunity for special needs individuals, such as the Special Olympics.

 

Services to Children and Youth


We support crisis efforts to remedy substance abuse and to correct family dysfunction.  We commend and support those families providing foster homes to children in need and encourage efforts toward successful, stabilizing placements.  We also support policies that facilitate adoption. 

 

We support the efficient use of public and private funding to ensure that children and youth who are victims of neglect and/or physical, sexual, and emotional abuse receive care and treatment appropriate to their individual needs. 

 

We support corrective programs for juveniles designed to give judges and law enforcement personnel an alternative to incarceration in order to make youth and their parents accountable and responsible for their actions.  We encourage timely, effective communication and coordination among law enforcement officials, the community, parents, and youth to prevent criminal activities and encourage good citizenship among young people. 

 

We support social policies and services that preserve and strengthen the traditional family unit.  We support interagency planning, collaboration, and coordination of family-based, faith-based, and community-based services tailored to the needs of children, adolescents and their families.

 

General Public Safety and Human Services Issues


We will work to provide wholesome living, learning, and working conditions free from the fear of mental, physical, and emotional abuse while guarding against intrusive government regulation. 

 

We strongly support the activities of citizens and law enforcement agencies in their efforts to eliminate illegal traffic and manufacturing of narcotics and dangerous drugs. 

 

We strongly support the elimination of underage tobacco and alcohol use. 

 

We support activities intended to eliminate drivers on our highways and waterways who are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. 

 

We support security, as needed at every correctional facility, for the benefit of the general public, the inmates, and the staff.  We support the use of rehabilitative work and training programs that are appropriate to the records and behavior of the prisoners. 

 

We support stricter standards for the release, monitoring, and notification of local law enforcement, victims and the community at large before inmates go before a parole hearing or are discharged from institutional care. 

 

We support the enforcement of child support collection laws. 

 

IMMIGRATION

 

The Montana Republican Party supports securing our borders against illegal immigration, removing illegal immigrants, and punishing employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens. The Montana Republican Party supports legal immigration according to existing statutes. 

We demand the federal government enforce immigration laws and prevent illegal aliens from entering and affecting job opportunities for United States citizens and compromising our national security. We further recommend that Social Security and government medical benefits will not be available to those who are not U.S. citizens.

 

We support the strict interpretation of the 14th Amendment and the denial of amnesty to those here illegally.

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

 

Preamble


The Montana Republican Party supports efforts to return control and authority to local units, as the government closest and most responsive to the people

 

Funding


We believe all levels of government are responsible for funding their own programs.  No level of government should mandate responsibilities or programs to lower levels or subdivisions of government unless funding for those responsibilities and programs is also provided.  Any additional State-mandated local government services should be funded by the State.

 

We strongly urge the Governor of the state of Montana to refuse any federal mandated programs requiring funding by the State or local governments, except those based on a declared national emergency by the President of the United States.

 

We continue to support the goal of limiting local property tax and fee increases and require greater accountability.

 

We urge Congress to FULLY fund payments-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILT) for the purpose of reducing the property tax burden placed upon local taxpayers to provide services.

 

We support the revenue sharing established by the Montana legislature and Montana’s units of local government in order to prevent tax increases at the local level.

 

Local Responsibility


We believe local governments are responsible for resolving local problems.  State government should be responsible for its actions affecting local government and all state restrictions on self-government should be extremely limited and narrowly construed.

 

Individual Rights


We believe local governments shall enforce property use regulations only upon citizens living within the local government’s boundaries.  The rights of individuals to vote on local governmental tax or fee issues and officials are fundamental.

 

We also believe that growth policies developed by local governments should not be used as regulatory documents.

 

Property Rights

 

We believe that governmental units should protect individual rights associated with property  ownership that guarantee a property owner’s ability to use property as the owner wishes, as long as he or she causes no harm.

 

Voter Rights


We encourage increased voter turnout in local elections.  We support volunteer efforts to register new voters and to get them out to vote.  We believe it is essential that every eligible voter exercise his or her right to vote. We believe eligibility should be established prior to the date of the election. We support the integrity of the voting process and the deterrence of voter fraud.

 

Government Transparency


We support open meetings for government decision-making bodies.  We strongly urge taxpayers to review, comment, and participate in the development of county, city, and school district budgets. We encourage all local government entities to publish their budgets, draft policies, and regulations on the internet to provide transparency to the highest degree.

 

We urge local bodies to use sunset review of all newly implemented taxes and fees.

 

Consolidation


We support voluntary consolidation or deconsolidation of school districts and governmental units to save taxpayer money.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

 

Preamble

 

We affirm that the Montana Republican Party is the party of freedom, and we support individual freedom and liberty for all law-abiding citizens of the United States of America. We hold fast to the principles that our founding fathers held most dear, self-determination and small government, state’s rights and equality for all its citizens.  It is therefore our determination to declare that the United States Constitution has been and should always be the "Supreme Law of the Land.”  All state and federal government agencies and policies should be, Constitutional in their effects, laws and practices.  Therefore, we as the people of the great state of Montana declare that the United States Constitution be upheld in all of its entirety, until such time as the proper Amendment processes determines the course of change. We adamantly oppose any attempts, whether direct or indirect, to destroy and/or undermine the Constitution of the United States and its Amendments, including the Bill of Rights.

 

National Sovereignty

 

We as a state demand that the Federal Government fulfill its constitutional responsibilities to secure our Montana borders, as defined by the 1889 Constitution.  

 

Personal Rights and Liberties

 

We affirm the inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all individuals.  We affirm the sanctity of human life and the inherent dignity of each human being from conception to death.  Again, we recognize that life begins at conception and must be protected.  We oppose cloning complete human beings.  We support the private development of adult stem cell research and we support all efforts to stop human trafficking.  We support the definition of marriage as only between one man and one woman.

We the People of the great state of Montana have always cherished freedom and self-reliance. We further affirm that we oppose the Patriot Act and all of its versions or other instruments that erode our individual liberties.

We understand there is a need for healthcare reform. However, we oppose any federal mandate to purchase products or services, including healthcare, as such mandates are unconstitutional.

We recognize our Party's historic commitment to equal rights and equality of opportunity for every citizen regardless of gender, age, race, national origin, religion, creed, or physical impairment. 

We support the repeal of the 16th amendment of the U.S. Constitution which authorizes a national income tax.

Many citizens are stripped of valuable property without guilt being ascertained or criminal charges being filed.  We express grave concern over the increased use and legislative expansion of asset forfeiture laws or illegal property seizure by agencies of the federal government.  To prevent agency abuse, we advocate that proceeds of all asset forfeitures be set aside for victim compensation only.  We deplore the misuse of the RICO statute by any federal agent or agencies.  We urge Congress to narrow the scope and applicability of federal seizure laws.

 

We unequivocally support the history and use of habeas corpus. 

 

We support the efforts of the people of the world to achieve national and personal freedom and their right to participate fully in self-government. 

 

We recognize and support full citizenship rights and responsibilities of all Americans.

 

We also recommend that government medical benefits will not be available to non-citizens.

 

States' Rights

 

We agree with Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, who stated that the U.S. Supreme Court does not have the sole authority to judge the constitutionality of federal laws. We hold with these men that the States not only have the right, but also the duty to nullify unconstitutional laws in order to protect their citizens.

 

We demand federal withdrawal from those areas of responsibility reserved by the U.S. Constitution to the states and people.  We urge our state elected officials to undertake appropriate action, including legal action, to confine federal power within its constitutional limits. 

 

We strongly encourage the Governor of Montana to continue to utilize the authority extended to the Executive Branch by the Montana Legislature, to vigorously defend Montana's right to self-governance under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

 

We oppose any extension of federal or regional bureaucratic control over water originating in Montana and consider any such action an infringement on states' rights. 

 

We oppose administrative actions that initiate top-down resource management without congressional decision-making such as the Yellowstone snowmobile ban, Scenic Rivers actions, Missouri River Breaks National Monument and roadless initiatives.  We call upon our Congressional Delegation to urge strong states’ rights policies governing the use of public lands and resources in the West.  We commend the passage of the American Lands Sovereignty Act.

 

We recognize the threat of illegal immigration presents to our national stability and recommend stronger measures be taken against employers who evade existing laws prohibiting employment of undocumented aliens.

 

We insist that the United States comply with its compact with Montana, as that compact was understood in 1889 for inclusion of statehood.

 

 We vigorously encourage passage of legislation requiring candidates for U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator, Vice President of the United States, and President of the United States provide documentation of their eligibility for the office sought as defined in the United States Constitution. This documentation shall be filed with the Montana Secretary of State. This filing is to be required as a precondition to being placed on the ballot in Montana. SB474 of the 2009 Session of the Montana Legislature provides model language for such legislation.

The Montana Republican party opposes the Toxic Substances Control Act and all other Federal regulation by non elected Federal Agencies that are hurtful to free-enterprise.

We oppose cost shifting to the states via unfunded federal mandates.

Within those perimeters set down by the Supreme Court, we support the right of each state to determine in what case the death penalty would be imposed. We oppose the undue interference of federal courts in the right of each individual state to carry out its dealth penalty statutes. We urge the federal government to limit appeals in death penalty cases.

 

We oppose cost shifting to the states via unfunded federal mandates.

 

Within those parameters set down by the United States Supreme Court, we support the right of each state to determine in what cases the death penalty would be imposed.  We oppose the undue interference of federal courts in the right of each individual state to carry out its death penalty statutes.  We urge the federal government to limit appeals in death penalty cases. 

 

Right to Bear Arms

 

We oppose the concept of "gun free zones” in any form or in any place except detention facilities.  Depriving victims of the means to protect themselves and others does not make anyone safer and violates the Montana Constitution.  We affirm that the right to bear arms is a right the people of Montana have reserved for themselves, individually, from interference by government agents and government employees.  We oppose any restrictions on the type or number of firearms any law-abiding citizen may own or possess.  We completely support the unfettered right for citizens to use firearms to lawfully defend themselves without fear of prosecution or government interference ("called in question”) for having done so.

 

We urge the repeal of the Brady Bill Law.

 

We oppose any system of national registration of firearm owners and their firearms and the setting of limits on the quantities of firearms and ammunition that are owned by an individual.  We strongly defend the Montana Firearms Freedom Act and the prosecution of any government agents violating that law.

 

National Defense

 

We believe in peace through strength.  Worldwide political instability clearly demonstrates the need for the continued maintenance of military strength to defend our nation, with an emphasis on research and development, conventional forces, and refinement of strategic defense initiative technology. 

 

We support continuing efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation, but totally oppose any suggestions of unilateral disarmament on the part of the United States, or placing any troops or military resources under United Nations or foreign command or the deployment of United Nations or foreign Troops on United States soil for any reason, and support relocation of the U.N. to any country that will have them. 

 

We support our country's right to defend itself against terrorism by military and economic means pursuant to the United States Constitution.

 

We oppose any further transfer of technology that could be used for military purposes to any country whose political and military purposes are, or could be, a threat to the United States. 

  

We deeply appreciate the men and women who serve in our country's armed forces and believe their lives and safety should be placed at risk in combat only when our nation's security is threatened, and only under the command of our own nation's National Command Authority and the Unified Combatant Command. We strongly support the Constitutional requirement of a formal Congressional declaration of war before committing troop to a large scale military operation.

 

We acknowledge unlimited indebtedness to those serving in the armed forces of this nation who have sacrificed so much to secure the blessings of freedom for us all.  We urge that those in charge of veterans’ affairs accelerate efforts of the appropriate agencies to meet the medical and physical needs of those impaired in the service of our country.

 

Inflation

 

We feel that vigilance must be used in continuing to control inflation, as this represents one of the greatest threats to the well being of all Americans. 

 

We support a return to a gold and silver based monetary system and a strong dollar policy based on intrinsic asset values and not a debased fiat monetary policy.

 

We support a full audit of the federal reserve system.

 

Energy


In the interest of national security we must become more energy independent and self-reliant; therefore, we urge, through private enterprise, the development of energy resources, including alternative forms of energy. We oppose any federal or state government subsidy of a mandate to purchase energy in any form.

 

We oppose any tax on carbon emissions.  

 

All cost effective forms of energy shall have equal access to the grid as specified by deregulation.

 

We oppose the federal government yielding to any international pressure to oppose any regulation on domestic energy production or consumption.

 

We oppose any classification of CO2 or other greenhouse gasses as dangerous gasses or pollutants.

 

Telecommunications Policy

 

We believe that private industry will provide a viable information highway for the future if all government agencies will provide a supportive environment. 

 

We oppose federal telephone excise taxes and further government-imposed taxes, fees, or charges on telecommunications or the internet in any forms.

 

We believe a modern telecommunications network will bring substantial benefits to the entire nation in areas such as economic development, education and health care.

 

Space

 

We strongly support the continuation of our nation's space program through NASA and the private sector.

 

National Endowment for the Arts

 

We are opposed to the use of taxpayer dollars to fund any art.  We recognize the cultural importance of the arts and encourage private sector support and financing to promote artistic endeavors.

 

Flag Desecration

 

We strongly support an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would protect the flag from desecration.

 

NATURAL RESOURCES

 

Preamble


Montana’s economic prosperity is inherently dependent upon the responsible and sound management and development of natural resources. 

 

We promote a sound path of environmental protection that leads to balanced ideas, responsible risk/benefit analysis, reasonable permitting, and includes consideration of all social and economic implications and impacts. 

 

We support a natural resource development policy that promotes jobs in Montana, reduces our dependence on foreign resources, and leads to energy self sufficiency.

 

We reject unrealistic environmental legislation and oppose all effort to restrict or obstruct environmentally sound uses of land and water. 

 

Our educational system should emphasize teaching the economic and social benefits of responsible natural resources development in Montana.   

 

Water


Montana's water quantity and quality are of prime importance to our quality of life and our general economy. We will continue to defend the 'first in time, first in right' doctrine protected by State Law

 

We support cooperative efforts and water leasing to provide in-stream water for fisheries during periods of low flow, if not detrimental to prior appropriators.

 

We recognize the responsibility of maintaining existing beneficial uses of water in our state and support the continued beneficial development of water.  We  support retaining existing water storage projects and dams and we oppose the federal prohibition on additional impoundments of water.  

 

We oppose any claim or actions of others, including the federal government and downstream states, to Montana’s water that could in any way damage our rights and/or economy. We oppose removing the word navigable from the definition of waterways regulated by the Corps of Engineers.

 

Land


Any government involvement in land use planning should be local and with full recognition of the primary rights of private land ownership.  We oppose the federal government and any foreign or international entity, such as the United Nations, exercising authority over domestic land use decisions.  We believe that eminent domain should not be used for private profit purposes. 

 

We oppose the creation of 'buffer zones' by legislation, administrative or judicial rule, or agency policy to expand water and land use restrictions. 

 

We oppose any federal special land designations We urge the Montana Congressional delegation to sunset wilderness study areas.  The Montana Republican Party opposes the creation of any additional wilderness areas.  

 

We oppose the circumvention of Congressional authority by the executive branch to create de facto wilderness areas and national monuments to restrict public access to and use of federal lands. 

 

We oppose additional acquisition of acreage by state or federal agencies.  Any public acquisition of private land cannot result in a net acreage gain to the state or federal government. We oppose any easements in perpetuity.

 

Timber


We urge government agencies to aggressively pursue and manage public designated timber areas.  Management should focus on sustained yield and include voluntary Best Management Practices to provide adequate environmental stewardship.  We support timely harvesting and restoration of fire and beetle damaged forest. 

 

We urge improved economic well-being of our timber communities through developing legislative and administrative actions that promote existing and value added wood products in Montana. 

 

We oppose the let burn policy and the use of controlled burning where those objectives can be achieved with responsible timber management and harvest. 

 

We support the use of tariffs until consultation by the United States with foreign countries results in an easing of economic conflicts or establishment of fair, free trade agreements.

 

Energy and Minerals


We support the private development of energy and mineral resources and oppose the state acquisition of any privately held energy assets in any form.

 

We strongly encourage the development of Montana's abundant economically viable renewable energy resources. and urge continuing development of economically viable alternative energy systems for both Montana and national energy needs.  We support the state and federal government in recognizing hydroelectric dams as renewable energy.

 

We believe exploration, development, and management of energy and mineral resources in an economically and environmentally responsible manner is essential. We oppose carbon taxation in any form including cap and trade legislation. We support coal-fired generation in Montana and we reject the classification of carbon dioxide as an air pollutant.

 

We support the construction of additional transmission and pipelines within the State of Montana to transport all sources of electric generation, oil and natural gas to provide improved access to markets both within Montana and out of state, however the economic interests of Montana must first be addressed.

 

Environmental Impacts 


We support informed natural resource decision-making by government entities based on sound science.

 

We strongly encourage the coordinated cooperation of all property owners and government entities to assure the people of Montana that all possible efforts are being made to eradicate noxious weeds within our state. Noxious weeds and other invasive species are one of the biggest environmental problems in the state of Montana and continuous efforts should be made to eradicate them within our state.

 

We urge the state legislature to review all environmental administrative rules of Montana that do not have a scientific finding in effect by the Department of Environmental Quality that impact Montana’s private lands and natural resources.

 

Fish and Wildlife


We urge the Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks in cooperation with other affected agencies to manage the state’s wildlife and fish resources in a manner which will be responsive to local concerns, including diseased wildlife and habitat capacities.. We urge common sense reform of the federal Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Montana Environmental Policy Act that considers the impacts to private property rights, the economy and society.

 

We support the development of responsible hunting, trapping and fishing harvest numbers that carefully balance resource conservation, property owners’ rights, the economy, and the safety of our citizens. 

 

We support decreasing government restrictions on recreational access within the federal lands in Montana.  We support reasonable public access of land encumbered by conservation easements managed by any agency of state government.

 

We support the delisting of wolves, to be managed along with other species by the state using appropriate methods.

 

STATE ADMINISTRATION

 

Preamble


The Montana Republican Party is committed to the protection of constitutionally guaranteed rights.  We firmly believe these individual rights are protected by the Constitutions of the United States of America and Montana.  These rights should not be infringed upon by the executive, judiciary or legislative branches of government. 

 

We favor budget savings in state government through efficiency and good management. When state government grows faster than Montana’s economy due to large increases in social programs, school budgets, and unreasonable growth in government spending, including  all government unfunded mandates, this has a stifling effect on economic growth.


We stand in support to urge our state attorney general to join other states in any litigation needed to protect our state sovereignty

 

We believe that the government must remain ever mindful of its obligations to the citizens of this state by providing essential services and avoiding over-regulation, duplicative and inappropriate administration of programs, rules, or laws. 

 

We are committed to eliminating all unnecessary state regulations and reducing the intrusion of state government into the lives of the people of the state.

 

State Employees and Government Reorganization


We recognize the contribution of our competent, well trained, and dedicated state employees.  We recommend that Montana residents receive first consideration for employment.   We believe salaries and benefits of Montana public employees should not exceed those of comparable private sector employees. We do not support the expansion of pension benefits that threaten the health of Montana state pension systems by unreasonably extending the unfunded liabilities.   

 

We support efforts to improve efficiency and effectiveness at all levels of government. 

 

Legislative Reform


The Montana Republican Party recognizes the dedication and the efforts of legislators and their families to their constituents and the state of Montana. 

 

We urge that the Montana Legislature continue to utilize modern technology to encourage a greater participation in the legislative process. All Montana citizens are welcome to travel to Helena to testify on any matter considered by the legislators, and should continue to be treated with courtesy and respect.  

                                                                                                                

The Legislature is the lawmaking and appropriating body of Montana. 


We do not support gerrymandering district boundaries for political reasons. However,  we do support reforming the redistricting process to be politically impartial and responsive to the input of local officials and the public following the Montana Constitution’s mandate to adopt districts that are as nearly equal in population as practicable.

 

Rule Making


The Montana Republican Party recognizes a need to strengthen the legislative oversight of administrative rule making to ensure that the intent of the legislation not be exceeded or lost, subject to final approval of bill sponsors. 

 

Budgeting


We encourage the legislature to enact zero based budgeting reviews for all existing agencies and programs.

 

The Montana Republican Party supports the adoption of the principles of sound budgeting, and avoiding the use of one-time or time limited funding sources, including all fee increases.  We do not believe in using fees for general fund purposes.

 

We encourage sound business practices that negotiate value that’s flexible and suitable to changing space requirements for state office space.  

 

Election Laws


We support mail ballot elections for all elections with the intentions of increasing voter turn-out and reducing administrative costs.  We support closing Montana primary elections to eliminate crossover voting in party primaries.  We support eliminating same-day voter registration to reduce voter fraud.

 

TAXATION

 

The Montana Republican Party stands firm in our conviction to reduce and eliminate taxes. Lower taxes allow for and will expand private sector jobs. Tax increases threaten the strength of our economy and we oppose any attempt to increase taxes. There is a direct correlation between government spending and taxation. Government spending must be reduced.

Federal, state, and local taxes should be low, simple, and easy to understand. We are committed to:

·         reducing  tax rates on income and capital gains

·         eliminating taxes on the equipment small businesses need to create jobs and strengthen our economy

·         ending the federal death tax 

·         creating a property tax system that is fair and equitable

·         ensuring Social Security taxes are used solely for Social Security benefits

 

The Montana Republican Party supports U.S. Congressman and Senators committed to shrinking the size of federal government and reducing federal taxes. We support a U.S. Constitutional Amendment mandating a balanced federal budget.

TRANSPORTATION

Safe transportation is vital to Montana’s economic stability and to the national security of the United States of America. The Montana Republican Party supports a viable public passenger and freight system including access to air, rail and motor carrier services for all of Montana’s cities and rural communities. 

 

(This includes aviation, highway, rail, and motor carrier)

 

 The Montana Republican Party strongly supports the continued development, maintenance and infrastructure for transportation in Montana, and encourages its involvement and participation in innovative improvements. We support both the interstate and intrastate systems and we urge that they be well maintained as they are a vital means for effective marketing of our agriculture, natural resource and other products.


The Montana Republican Party supports the current process of highway funding and fuel tax monies that are collected for the purpose of highway infrastructure, development and maintenance. We support international traffic/trade via direct routing as long as it does not compromise our safety and security. We encourage quality construction and engineering along with reasonable environmental standards to meet the long-term needs of Montana’s transportation infrastructure.  


Montana Republicans believe Montana deserves legitimate, reasonable and efficient rail service. We support the continued congressional funding of Amtrak essential passenger service to Montana. 

 
The Montana Republican Party supports the motor carrier industry in providing safe and efficient highway services to the Montana public.  Motor carriers provide a multitude of diverse applications in servicing the origins and destinations of the other modes and shippers.

The Montana Republican Party supports the motor carrier industry as it continues to research and develop innovative length and weight combinations that would improve the efficiencies for the Montana shipper and consignee.  We encourage establishing uniform regulations between states.

 

RESOLUTION

The Montana Republican Party expresses its strong support for the action taken by the Governor and the State of Arizona to secure their Southern border and condemns the federal government for its lack of action to secure that border.