Mike Cooney in 2020 MT Governor's race
On Abortion:
Fought to reject laws restricting access to health care
Mike also has an extensive record of fighting for access to affordable reproductive healthcare. Since he was first in the legislature, he's fought tooth and nail to reject legislation that would restrict access to health care and will continue to
do so when he's Governor. He'll also continue the legacy of the Bullock administration by protecting permanent Title X funding in the state's budget.
Source: 2020 Montana governor campaign website CooneyForMontana.com
Mar 25, 2020
On Budget & Economy:
Spearheaded tax credit for businesses hiring apprentices
Mike has played a key role in successful efforts to boost Montana's economic growth, expand business opportunities and help workers find better-paying jobs his entire career in public service. He spearheaded a new tax credit for businesses who
hire apprentices and fought for an additional tax credit for working Montana families. Mike will seek out ways to increase business investment and opportunity, build career pathways for workers and expand opportunity across Montana.
Source: 2020 Montana governor campaign website CooneyForMontana.com
Mar 25, 2020
On Civil Rights:
Invest in economic opportunities on and off reservations
Mike has been a partner in passing legislation to preserve Indian languages, increase opportunities to capital for native-owned businesses, and improve access to healthcare services and quality public education. Mike will continue to ensure that tribal
sovereignty is respected while continuing to invest in economic opportunities for American Indians on and off the reservations. He'll also continue the important work to address the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
Source: 2020 Montana governor campaign website CooneyForMontana.com
Mar 25, 2020
On Civil Rights:
Avidly supports equal protection for all, especially LGBTQ
Mike is an avid supporter of equal protection under the law for all Montanans, especially our LGBTQ friends and neighbors. Throughout his tenure in public office, he's opposed any anti-LGBTQ legislation that would discriminate against or deny protection
based on sexual orientation or gender identity. As Governor, Mike will work with the legislature and the courts to ensure that Montanans of all identities and orientations are protected under the full extent of the law.
Source: 2020 Montana governor campaign website CooneyForMontana.com
Mar 25, 2020
On Education:
Oppose diverting public funding toward private education
He is a champion of Montana's public education system and seeks ways to support educators and increase funding. As Governor, Mike will work with partner organizations to secure a public, voluntary, quality pre-K program across the state, ensure the
6-mill levy that funds our universities becomes permanent, and increase investments in two-year colleges, apprenticeship programs, and vocational education opportunities. He will oppose any efforts to divert public funding toward private education.
Source: 2020 Montana governor campaign website CooneyForMontana.com
Mar 25, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Focus on a realistic transition to renewable energy
We must take action to protect Montana for future generations without leaving workers behind. Mike knows climate change is real. Mike is committed to working with local communities to discuss what is best for their
families and neighbors and focusing on a realistic transition to renewable energy sources. He understands that both traditional and alternative forms of energy production are vital for the success of Montana, and also for the county.
Source: 2020 Montana governor campaign website CooneyForMontana.com
Mar 25, 2020
On Health Care:
Lower the cost, expand access to care
Healthcare remains one of the top issues Montana families face. Mike has been championing increased access to quality and affordable healthcare since he worked for Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, a non-profit organization that
serves women and children. Mike has already proposed to pass a bipartisan policy to allow for the safe importation of prescription drugs from Canada to lower the burden of costs for all Montanans.
Source: 2020 Montana governor campaign website CooneyForMontana.com
Mar 25, 2020
On Job:
Grew up on picket lines; fought for labor every step
Raised in Butte, Mike grew up on the picket lines and was part of the Montana families fighting together against powerful corporations for better wages and better working conditions. He's fought for our brothers and sisters in labor every step along the
way in his career in public service. He's also consistently been supported and endorsed by labor unions in all of his legislative races, his campaigns for Secretary of State, and when he was on the ticket in 2016.
Source: 2020 Montana governor campaign website CooneyForMontana.com
Mar 25, 2020
On Local Issues:
Opposes transfer of federal land to private interests
There are powerful interests pushing to take public lands out of public hands in order to exploit our clean air, clean water and natural resources.
These powerful special interests see our public lands as a cash register waiting to be sold off to the highest bidder.
Mike will stand up against any attempt to transfer federal land and as Governor--a critical member of the State Land Board--will work with our partners in the conservation and outdoor communities to ensure public lands stay public.
Having already served on the State Land Board for 12 years as Secretary of State, Mike has a proven record of protecting our natural heritage and securing access to our public lands for all Montanans.
Source: 2020 Montana governor campaign website CooneyForMontana.com
Mar 25, 2020
On Immigration:
Montanans are welcoming, but very few refugees in state
Q: Will you accept refugees into Montana? Cooney: Montanans are a welcoming people. I've met with folks who have come to Montana and are making Montana their home and contributing to our communities.
Even Republican governors have come around on this issue because refugees go through a thorough vetting process and contribute to the workforce. The fact is we're dealing with very few refugee resettlements here in Montana.
Source: The Laurel Outlook on 2020 Montana gubernatorial debate
Mar 10, 2020
Page last updated: Apr 14, 2020