State Legislature 2020: Mallerie Stromswold

My why is quite a bit different than the average candidate. Last session I was a Montana House of Representatives page and became enthralled with the process of our State Legislature. During this time though, I found myself becoming extremely frustrated with the discourse on the House floor. I noticed how the perspective of young Montanan’s was not being voiced. I know I have a lot of fresh and unique ideas to offer in our legislature for the benefit of House District 50 and all of Montana.

The top three policy priorities I have focused on during my campaign have been improving our state’s education program, addressing the issue of human trafficking, and protecting all public land access. I hope the impact of these policies will ensure Montanan’s are properly educated, safe, and can continue exploring, fishing, and hunting.

When making decisions, we need to ensure that we are not setting up-future generations for failure while benefiting the current generation. We must look at immediate and future consequences for every decision we make. For example, our country is $26.5 trillion in debt. This absurd number is a burden on the people of the current generation and will be an issue that continues to grow and hinder future I will support a budget that allows for infrastructure, effective education, keeps our streets safe, and keeps taxes in check. It is important for both current and future generations that we limit government, it’s power, and overall control.

When it comes to categorizing myself as a trustee or delegate, I would have to say I am a little bit of both. The trustee in me will make sure I am making decisions that will benefit future generations. Personally, I believe everyone should see themselves as a delegate. I am not doing this for myself but for the people of House District 50. They deserve a representative who will not only listen to their needs and concerns but also act on their behalf. As for communication, the state has a forum where anyone can send a message to their legislator that will end up on their desk every morning. I will also encourage my constituents to reach out via email. As for current communication, I have been going door to door and making phone calls to my constituents to give them a chance to voice their concerns before I am elected.

I find bi-partisan solutions and compromise extremely important in our government. Polarization in politics only makes it more difficult to reach a solution that benefits the majority of constituents. As a page, I found it frustrating that more legislators weren’t putting aside their differences to create solutions for all. This is something I plan to do in the legislature.

I do not support new or additional taxes. In a state like Montana, we are surrounded by many small businesses and entrepreneurs. These business owners are bombarded with-numerous taxes most people aren’t typically aware of. But at the same time, large online corporations do business within our state and evade these taxes. Through bi-partisan effort, we must reform our tax system to ensure these small businesses can thrive and not be pushed out by large online retailers.

Businesses and the people they employ are important to every family and the economy. Therefore, I would support these liability protections.

Medicaid Expansion is a system that is meant to help those in need but often promotes dependence rather than independence. It is also a system that is expensive and has struggled to control fraud, waste, and abuse. For example, a recent Montana Medicaid audit found between $81 and $152 million in questionable costs related to supporting ineligible participants in Montana Medicaid. Expansion also encourages states to spend more money to receive federal matches. For every $1.00 spent on Medicaid Expansion in our state, the Federal Government “incentivizes” us with another $9.00. At a glance, this “free money” can be put towards a lot of good in our state! But when it’s thought through, we are enlarging our already vast national debt. Every few years, the income limits for Medicaid eligibility are increased. When does this stop? Instead of just pouring more money that we don’t have into programs, we must think of ways to move Montanans closer to independence rather than dependence.

This legislative session will be about budget prioritization. With a budget that has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, we will need bi-partisan solutions. Being able to agree on sustaining our education program, local public safety budgets, and taking care of the vulnerable will be top priorities for me.

At first glance, SB 340 [the 406 Impact District bill] sounded like an innovative way to expand economic development. But as I learned more, I couldn’t help but think; how is this fair? Why should one of two alike businesses have a much greater advantage and the chance of success simply because they are in a specific government created “impact district”? This policy creates government made winners and losers rather than letting the free market run its course. The government should help create a level playing field for businesses with fair taxes for all Montanans that remain competitive with the states around us.