Matt Rosendale in State of Montana Archives


On Social Security: Protect Social Security & Medicare for Montana seniors

Matt will always fight to preserve and protect Medicare and Social Security benefits for Montana seniors. These benefits were earned and promised to our seniors--and Matt won't let Washington politicians from either party cut or take away any of these benefits. Matt will always honor our commitment to Montana seniors. Both of Matt's parents received these benefits and he knows countless Montanans who depend on this safety net to make ends meet.
Source: 2020 Montana Senate campaign website MattForMontana.com May 17, 2020

On Abortion: No abortion; no exceptions

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Matt Rosendale (R): Ban. "I do not believe in abortion. I do not believe that you should provide for any exceptions."

Jon Tester (D): Legal. Opposed post-20 week ban. Sponsored bill prohibiting medically unnecessary requirements on abortion services.

Q: Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion health care?

Matt Rosendale (R): No. Praised Trump's support for defunding.

Jon Tester (D): Yes. Support access to family planning services, preventive care & "life-saving cancer screenings."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Budget & Economy: Cut government instead of stimulus spending

Q: Support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?

Matt Rosendale (R): No. Cut government & return money in tax cuts.

Jon Tester (D): Yes. 2008 stimulus was necessary. Need to invest more in infrastructure.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Drugs: Medical marijuana ok; let states decide full legalization

Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?

Matt Rosendale (R): Supports medical marijuana. State should determine recreational use.

Jon Tester (D): Supports medical use. Feds need to respect vote. Hesitant about full legalization, but alcohol arguably worse.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Education: Government out of college funding

Q: Student Debt & Financial Aid: Lower student loan rates, while increasing high-earner taxes (Elizabeth Warren bill)?

Matt Rosendale (R): No. "Move the federal government out of the funding that takes place for the colleges & universities."

Jon Tester (D): Yes. Voted for Warren bill. Also supports restoring year-round Pell Grants, & supporting Perkins Loans.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Education: Privatization is critical to improve our education system

Q: Education: Provide vouchers to send children to private schools with public money?

Matt Rosendale (R): Yes. "Critical.if we are going to see improvement in our education system."

Jon Tester (D): No. Privatization of public schools feeds destruction of democracy.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Energy & Oil: Climate changes, but no draconian restrictions on business

Q: Consider climate change a critical issue?

Matt Rosendale (R): No. "The climate does change. The question is how much impact do humans have on it & how much impact can we have on it by dramatically imposing draconian restrictions on our businesses."

Jon Tester (D): Yes. Climate change is real & human activity significantly contributes. "The rest of the world is together on this. We've got an incredible opportunity to create jobs & lead the world in clean technology."

Q: Support government support for renewable energy?

Matt Rosendale (R): No. Renewable power is a "grand idea" but government shouldn't subsidize.

Jon Tester (D): Yes. Supports tax credits, expedited permitting, utility renewable mandates, & carbon capture credits for coal plants.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Families & Children: Support traditional marriage between one man & one woman

Q: Support gay marriage?

Matt Rosendale (R): No. "Support traditional marriage as being between one man & one woman."

Jon Tester (D): Yes. "All couples should have the same rights to happiness & protections under the law that my wife Sharla & I enjoy."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Free Trade: Stop tolerating what China has been doing for decades

Q: Support President Trump's imposition of tariffs on Chinese steel & other products?

Matt Rosendale (R): Yes. "We've had a trade war going on for decades. now we have a president who said we're not going to tolerate it."

Jon Tester (D): No. "These tariffs are harming our state's top industries by creating market uncertainty & driving up costs."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Government Reform: No campaign donor disclosure; yes Citizens United

Q: Campaign Finance: Require political ads to disclose their largest funders? Positon on Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations & unions?

Matt Rosendale (R): No. Voted against state bill requiring independent groups to reveal how money they contribute to election campaigns is being used & where it's coming from. Supports Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling as protecting freedom of speech.

Jon Tester (D): Yes. Introduced Spotlight Act, requiring political nonprofits to disclose donors. "Dark money is a threat to our democracy. I will do everything I can to defend Montanans from this shadowy behavior." Opposed Citizens United ruling.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org: Montana legislative voting records Oct 9, 2018

On Government Reform: Voted to repeal same-day voter registration

Q: Voting Rights: Support stricter voting rules even if they prevent some people from voting?

Matt Rosendale (R): Yes. Voted to repeal same-day voter registration. Require government-issued photo identification to vote.

Jon Tester (D): Unclear on photo ID. Introduced bill to ensure Native American voting access.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org: Montana legislative voting records Oct 9, 2018

On Gun Control: Second Amendment rights are non-negotiable

Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?

Matt Rosendale (R): No. Second Amendment rights are non-negotiable. Mass shootings all involve mental illness & sites where guns have been banned.

Jon Tester (D): Backs Second Amendment rights, but would consider "background checks, banning bump stocks & making sure our databases are talking to one another."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Health Care: I won't give up on repealing & replacing ObamaCare

Q: Support or Repeal Affordable Care Act (ACA), known as ObamaCare? Position on Medicaid expansion to subsidize low-income participants?

Matt Rosendale (R): Repeal. "I won't give up on repealing & replacing ObamaCare." Can replace while keeping affordability & protecting pre-existing conditions with high-risk pools. Voted against MT Medicaid expansion.

Jon Tester (D): Support. Not perfect, but has helped rural hospitals & health centers. Supports Medicaid expansion.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org: Montana legislative voting records Oct 9, 2018

On Immigration: Rule of law has been ignored for illegal immigrants

Q: Support "DACA" recipients or "Dreamers," who grew up here after being brought here as children? Earned path to citizenship for other illegal immigrants?

Matt Rosendale (R): No. Opposes DACA & path to citizenship. Rule of law has been ignored & illegal immigrants allowed to flow freely into this country without consequence.

Jon Tester (D): Criticized Trump ending DACA. Supported bipartisan bill with increased border security, visa rule tightening & earned path to citizenship.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Jobs: Don't raise minimum wage from $7.25/hr to $10.10

Q: Raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25/hr to $10.10 hr?

Matt Rosendale (R): No. Called Obama's proposal to do this "ridiculous."

Jon Tester (D): Yes. Would "help thousands of Montanans make ends meet."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Social Security: Let younger Americans invest privately instead of paying in

Q: Social Security: Consider partial or full privatization options?

Matt Rosendale (R): Yes. Let younger Americans invest privately instead of paying in.

Jon Tester (D): No. Opposes any plan to privatize.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Tax Reform: Trump tax cuts mean more jobs for Montanans

Q: Support President Trump's tax cuts?

Matt Rosendale (R): Yes. "Bigger paychecks & more jobs for Montanans. This is your money & you should be deciding how to invest or spend it--not the government."

Jon Tester (D): "Disastrous." "Need reform for hardworking Montanans, not a handout for jet-owners paid for by our kids & grandkids."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Corporations: New tax law changes depreciation rules to allow expansion

Senate candidate Matt Rosendale toured a small business in Missoula to tout the benefits of the federal tax reform bill passed by Congress in December and accuse his opponent of standing in the way of President Donald Trump's agenda.

At Anchor Electric, Rosendale reported that the company owner told him that the tax reform package allowed him to expand his businesses and hire about 10 additional employees. "They've acquired another firm and now he plans to take advantage of additional parts of the tax reform package that allow small businesses to make capital investments and expense that out over one year instead of having to depreciate it out over several years," Rosendale said.

Rosendale said he's seen reports that there are hundreds of thousands of new manufacturing jobs in the U.S. because of the tax reform package. "That's one of the things that Jon Tester has voted against in opposition to the desires of the people of Montana," Rosendale said.

Source: The Missoulian on 2018 Montana Senate race Aug 9, 2018

On Environment: More local management for healthy forests; fewer fires

We need to properly manage our forests. We have to stop these extreme environmentalists and their frivolous lawsuits that are keeping our timber industry shut down and preventing us from having healthier forests. We can't prevent every fire but we can take action to reduce fire risk and severity. Watching our forests burn every summer isn't smart policy and I'll fight to bring much needed reform for more state and local management.
Source: NBC MT/KECI on 2020 Montana Senate race May 21, 2018

On Free Trade: China is a cheater; need fairer free trade deal

China is a cheater who has been stealing our technology and intellectual property rights with no repercussions. I applaud President Trump for having the courage to stand up to China. We have every right to demand a better trade deal--a fair trade deal--that benefits our workers and our country. The President is an expert negotiator who I know will put America first and is starting his negotiations from a position of strength.
Source: Great Falls Tribune on 2020 Montana Senate race May 21, 2018

On Government Reform: D.C. corrupts; commits to serving only two terms

We've seen politicians not representing us. They get swept up in the power and lose sight of serving the people. That's why, if I'm elected, I'll only serve two terms. As I've watched politicians go to Washington, abandon our Montana values, and embrace the lifestyle of Washington D.C., it has reinforced why we need term limits to ensure our elected officials are held accountable, serve the people, take care of business, and come home.
Source: NBC MT/KECI on 2020 Montana Senate race May 21, 2018

On Tax Reform: You deserve to keep more of your hard-earned money

TV ad voiceover: Matt Rosendale is the real deal.

[Photo on screen: Matt Rosendale]

[Text on-screen: Matt Rosendale shares our values]

Unlike Jon Tester he believes you deserve to keep more of your hard-earned money

[Text on screen: Matt Rosendale moves Trump's middle class agenda forward]

And unlike Tester.

[Newspaper headline on screen: Tester backs Iran deal; photo on screen: Iranian Ayatollah]

Matt believes it's wrong to hand over˙$1.7 billion to the number one state sponsor of Terror

[Newspaper headline on screen: Iran deal: $1.7 billion to the #1 state sponsor of Terror]

Keep it real, Montana.

[Text on screen: keep it real Montana Matt Rosendale for US Senate]

Send Matt Rosendale to the US Senate

Restoration PAC is responsible for the content of this advertising

Source: OnTheIssues AdWatch on 2018 Montana Senate race Mar 23, 2018

On War & Peace: Double headline - Already Done

In Montana, you have a choice:

[photo on screen: Tester]

Someone who fakes Montana values around election time...

[photo on screen: Matt Rosendale]

...or someone who lives it every day

Matt Rosendale is the real deal

[text on-screen: Matt Rosendale shares our values]

Unlike Jon Tester he believes you deserve to keep more of your hard-earned money

[text on screen: Matt Rosendale move Trump's middle class agenda forward]

and unlike Tester,

[newspaper headline on screen: Tester backs Iran deal; photo on screen: Iranian Ayatollah]

Matt believes it's wrong to hand over˙$1.7 billion to the number one state sponsor of Terror

[newspaper headline on screen: Iran deal: $1.7 billion to the #1 state sponsor of Terror]

Keep it real, Montana.

[text on screen: keep it real Montana Matt Rosendale for US Senate]

Send Matt Rosendale to the US Senate

Restoration PAC is responsible for the content of this advertising

Source: OnTheIssues AdWatch on 2018 Montana Senate race Mar 23, 2018

On Gun Control: Don't check if gun buyers are on terrorist watch-list

Matt Rosendale zeroed in on the Second Amendment record of his opponent Sen. Jon Tester: "Tester believes that we should have a national registration so that the people of Montana should have to ask permission before they purchase a gun, ask permission from the federal government."

We decided to investigate whether Tester supports a national gun registry. It turns out the opposite is true. A national gun registry [means] the government has a single, consolidated list of all guns and all gun owners across the country.

Rosendale's campaign pointed us to a vote Tester cast in favor of a 2015 amendment sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein that failed in the Senate. Feinstein sought to extend the FBI's [gun watch] list to those on the US government's consolidated terror watchlist. The Rosendale campaign's argument appears to be as follows: Because the terror watchlist has mistakenly listed innocent people, the watchlist could be used as a national gun registry. We rate this "Pants on Fire."

Source: PolitiFact.com fact-check on 2018 Montana Senate race Aug 21, 2017

On Government Reform: Get Feds out of the way of the states

Montanans are fed up with politicians who say one thing back home but vote another way in Washington, D.C. The people of Montana deserve a senator who will defend our way of life, get the federal government out of the way, and return power to the hardworking people who make this country great. It's time to get down to business and let Montanans run their lives the way they want.
Source: 2018 Senate campaign website, MattForMontana.com Aug 2, 2017

On Abortion: Against abortion in all circumstances

Rosendale opposes abortion, without exception: "I support life from conception until natural death."
Source: KPAX-8 Missoula on 2018 Montana Senate race Jul 31, 2017

On Energy & Oil: Develop fossil fuels, don't subsidize green energy

Rosendale supports development of oil, coal, natural gas and other fossil fuels and said they will be a key energy source for years to come. As for renewable power, he said it's a "grand idea" to look at other alternatives, but that the government should not subsidize them.
Source: KPAX-8 Missoula on 2018 Montana Senate race Jul 31, 2017

On Health Care: Full repeal of Obamacare

Democrats have attacked Rosendale on his support for a full repeal of Obamacase. Said Montana Democratic spokesman Chris Meagher, "Matt Rosendale has failed at his job as insurance commissioner, and has done nothing to keep health care costs down," Meagher said. "He's another vote to increase health care costs and take away health care from thousands of Montanans. He's another politician interfering with a woman's right to make her own health care decisions."
Source: Helena Independent Record on 2018 Montana Senate race Jul 31, 2017

On Tax Reform: Get rid of tax on multimillion-dollar estates

Rosendale said he favors lowering federal income-tax rates for businesses and individuals, getting rid of the tax on multimillion-dollar estates, and Trump's agenda of peeling back regulations he says impedes business development and jobs.
Source: KPAX-8 Missoula on 2018 Montana Senate race Jul 31, 2017

On Abortion: Rejected that insurers have plans with and without abortion

Gov. Bullock rejected a bill that would have required health insurers that offer coverage plans that include elective abortions to also provide a reciprocal plan that does not cover elective abortions. Bullock said the proposal could leave women without coverage options necessary for unforeseen events. "SB 349 would create additional administrative burdens and costs for insurance companies, potentially doubling the number of insurance products, and ultimately leading to increased costs," Bullock wrote.

Legislative Summary: An act requiring an issuer who offers health insurance coverage that includes elective abortion coverage to also sell health insurance coverage that does not include elective abortion coverage.

Governor's Veto Message: I stand firmly opposed to restrictions on a woman's ability to make deeply personal medical decisions.

Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 29-21-0, 4/15/15; passed Senate 54-42-4, 4/11/15

Source: Great Falls Tribune on Montana voting records for SB 349 Apr 30, 2015

On Families & Children: Require written parental permission for sex education

HB 239: Define scope/boundaries of human sexuality/reproduction education K-12.

Analysis by Rewire.News: HB 239 would have required a school district to obtain written consent from a parent before instructing students in human sexuality education. HB 239 would have also prohibited school districts from allowing any abortion services provider from offering any materials at schools.

Veto message:The Montana Constitution vests supervision and control of our public schools in locally elected school boards. HB 239 would improvidently intrude upon the constitutional authority of the Board of Public Education and local boards. If parents are concerned about matters relating to the education of their children, they can and should address those concerns with their local school board.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 28-22-0 on Apr/8/13; State Sen. Matt Rosendale voted YES; Passed House 56-41-3 on Apr/13/13; Vetoed by Governor Steve Bullock on Apr/25/13

Source: Rewire.News on Montana legislative voting record HB 239 Apr 8, 2013

On Gun Control: Veto barring state enforcement of federal semi-automatic ban

HB 302: Prohibit state enforcement of any federal ban on semi-auto firearms/magazines

Analysis by Associated Press in The Missoulian, March 28, 2013: House Bill 302 was backed by gun advocates who argued the state should be ready in case Congress enacts a gun ban. But Bullock said in his veto message that it does not appear Congress will ban assault weapons, calling the bill "unnecessary political theater."

Veto Message : HB302 puts law enforcement in the position of violating laws they have sworn to uphold. Public safety officers take an oath to "enforce or apply all laws and regulations" and also to "work in unison with all legally authorized agencies" [including federal laws and agencies]. HB 302 would subject officers to criminal sanctions for upholding the oath we ask that they take.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 28-21-1 on Mar/13/13; State Sen. Rosendale voted YES; Passed House 62-35-3 on Mar/20/13; Vetoed by Gov. Bullock on Mar/28/13.

Source: A.P./The Missoulian on Montana voting record HB 302 Mar 13, 2013

On Abortion: Provide religious exemption to birth control insurance law

SB 181: Exempt health care sharing ministries from insurance laws

Summary by The Montana Post, May 25, 2018: Under SB181, reproductive health care options can be refused in the same manner Hobby Lobby refuses to cover birth control for their employees. The Democratic State Auditor's office noted the measure would strip consumers of health insurance protections under state insurance law and prevent the agency from investigating complaints.

Governor's Veto Message, Apr/5/13 : SB 181 creates a loophole in the insurance code for any entity calling itself a "health care sharing ministry." By exempting these ministries from the same regulations governing other insurers, SB 181 opens the door to fraud and abuse. It would distort the charitable purpose of health care sharing ministries and leave Montanans vulnerable.

Legislative outcome: on 2/22/13: Passed Senate 31-18-1; Sen. Rosendale voted YES; on 3/20/13: Passed House 58-39-3; Vetoed 4/5/13.

Source: The Montana Post on Montana legislative voting record SB 181 Feb 22, 2013

On Civil Rights: Keep criminalization of gay sex

SB 107: To revise deviate sexual conduct laws.

Analysis by The Atlantic: Under Montana's state legislation, gay sex, [before this bill, was] a felony punishable with up to 10 years in jail and a $50,000 fine. SB 107 would change the definition of "deviate sexual relations" in the state--a full 16 years after the state Supreme Court ruled that the language criminalizing gay sex as unconstitutional--and no longer lump in gay sex as the same kind of crime as having sex with an animal.

The bloc of 36 Republicans want to keep the law in place: "Sex that doesn't produce people is deviant," says Rep. Dave Hagstrom. Rep. Jerry O'Neil, who also voted against the bill, said. "If some 2nd-grade teacher wants to introduce her lover to the kids, there isn't anything that the school board can do to stop that."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 38-11-1 on Feb/20/13; State Sen. Matt Rosendale voted NO; Passed House 64-35-1 on Apr/10/13; Signed by Governor Steve Bullock on

Source: The Atlantic on Montana legislative voting record SB 107 Feb 20, 2013

On Civil Rights: No civil unions; no same-sex marriage

Q: Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?

A: Yes.

Q: Should same-sex couples be allowed to form civil unions?

A: No.

Q: Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Montana's anti-discrimination laws?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Montana's anti-discrimination laws?

A: Yes.

Rosendale adds, "All discrimination is wrong, however, so is preferential treatment."

Source: Montana 2012 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2012

On Crime: No capital punishment; yes prosecute minors as adults

Q: Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?

A: No.

Q: Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?

A: Yes.

Q: Should a minor who sends sexually-explicit or nude photos by cell phone face criminal charges?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana?

A: Yes.

Source: Montana 2012 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2012

On Drugs: Decriminalize and handle marijuana like a prescription drug

Q: Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support increased restrictions on the production of medical marijuana in Montana?

A: Yes.

Rosendale adds, "Medical Marijuana should be handled like any other prescription drug . Prescribed by a doctor, manufactured in a state authorized and monitored facility, distributed by a pharmacy. If this can not be achieved, than its use shouldn't be allowed."

Source: Montana 2012 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2012

On Education: Supports charters and vouchers; opposes tenure

Q: Do you support the national Common Core State Standards initiative?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support a merit pay system for teachers?

A: Yes.

Q: Is the tenure process for public school teachers producing effective teachers?

A: No.

Q: Should parents be allowed to use vouchers to send their children to any school?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support state funding for charter schools?

A: Yes.

Source: Montana 2012 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2012

On Environment: No state funding for open space preservation

Q: Do you support state funding for open space preservation?

A: No.

Q: Do you support increasing the means by which hunters may take wolves?

A: Yes.

Q: Should Montana reintroduce bison on public lands?

A: No.

Q: Do you support enacting environmental regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?

A: No.

Rosendale adds, "I feel that the best support we can provide is a clear and concise regulatory environment that developers of any type can navigate without surprises."

Source: Montana 2012 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2012

On Government Reform: Yes voter ID; but also independent redistricting

Q: Do you support the use of an independent AND/OR bipartisan commission for redistricting?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls?

A: Yes.

Q: Should candidates for state office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?

A: Yes.

Source: Montana 2012 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2012

On Gun Control: Citizens can own any number and type of firearms

Q: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?

A: No.

Q: Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?

A: No.

Q: Should citizens be allowed to carry concealed guns?

A: Yes.

Q: Should a license be required for gun possession?

A: No.

Rosendale adds, "I feel that any mentally stable, law abiding CITIZEN of the United States should be able to own the number and type of firearms that they choose."

Source: Montana 2012 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2012

On Immigration: No in-state tuition for illegal immigrants

Q: Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support the state government providing college students with financial aid?

A: Yes.

Q: Should illegal immigrants who graduate from Montana high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities?

A: No.

Source: Montana 2012 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2012

The above quotations are from State of Montana Politicians: Archives.
Click here for other excerpts from State of Montana Politicians: Archives.
Click here for other excerpts by Matt Rosendale.
Click here for a profile of Matt Rosendale.
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Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021