These are truly exciting times to be a Montana Democrat!  After well more than a decade when Montana was defined by economic stagnation, regressive governmental policies, and a political climate characterized by fear and divisiveness, our community and state are finally moving forward.  For those of us who fought the good fight during those “lean and mean” times, the current political climate shows us what truly is possible when cooperation and progressive goals replace hostility and discord.

I’m Galen Hollenbaugh and it has been my honor and privilege to represent the citizens of House District 81. As a life-long Montanan and a proud Democrat, I understand that progressive government can and does make a real difference in the lives of our citizens.  I know that by working together, we can responsibly grow our communities and provide good jobs at high-paying wages while at the same time protecting our clean air, pure water and the open spaces that make Helena and Montana such a special place to live.  That’s why as a member of the legislature, I was proud to:

* Help provide more than $4.5 million in new funding for the Helena College of Technology.

* Appropriate $400,000 to allow PBS satellite service to keep broadcasting in Montana.

* Place the Mike Horse Dam in the Natural Resource Damage Program that will help expedite the cleanup of the headwaters of the Blackfoot River.

* Enact All Day Kindergarten to give our children the best possible education.

* Give property tax relief to hard-working Montana homeowners with a $400 rebate.

During my time in the House, I have earned 100% voting records from the Montana Conservation Voters, NARAL Pro-Choice Montana, the Montana AFL-CIO, and the Northern Plains Resource Council. And I plan to expand this proven progressive record of leadership in the next legislative session.

But I need your help. The reality of political campaigns today is that they have become extremely expensive and time consuming.  While I am committed to engaging in an aggressive door-to-door campaign, your timely contribution is essential to getting my message out to the voters in my district.  You can contribute via my website, and I promise that each and every penny of your hard-earned contribution will be spent wisely.

I truly believe that Montana – and the Helena community in particular – is a great place to live, and I am committed to continue to fight to protect and enrich our city and state.  I hope to have the opportunity to visit with you in person about how we can keep Helena and Montana moving forward.

Respectfully,

Galen