Steve Bullock in The Missoulian

On Abortion: An abortion, even late-term, is a legal, personal decision

On Civil Rights: Address persistent wage gap between men and women

With the economy a focal point of the governor's race, Bullock is attempting to position himself as an advocate of the working class. Bullock wants to see wages rise--particularly among women who aren't being paid fairly. He said Montana women make about 67 cents for every dollar made by men. And he noted the slow pace in which women are catching up to men in salaries. "At this rate, the gap won't close until the year 2080. That's unacceptable," he told the group. "I'd match our Montana work ethic up against any other state in the nation, and 39th in the country in pay equity is flat out not OK."

On Civil Rights: We celebrate progress, but fight for equal rights continues

On Families & Children: Unemployment benefits to victims of domestic violence

The legislature, however, voted down legislation that would have allowed workers to discuss salaries without repercussions from their employer.

Bullock wants employers to take a hard look at what they pay employees, and to make sure that women are being paid the same as men for comparable work. "When working women prosper, overall, families prosper," the governor said..

On Foreign Policy: Vetoed bill banning Shariah law; it's just anti-Muslim

"It cannot be seriously denied that the bill is drawn from 'Sharia law bans' that have been tried in other states. The intent of these bills is to target a particular religion and group of people for disfavored treatment," Bullock said, adding that the proposal could add to the "nationwide surge in hate crimes."

"I don't see how affirming our Constitution does that. I disagree with him," said Sen. Keith Regier (R-Kalispell). He and other backers argued that the measure aimed merely to declare support for U.S. and Montana law. They rejected contentions that the bill was anti-Islamic or xenophobic.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 3/21/2017 56-43-1; passed Senate 2/3/2017 27-21-1; vetoed by Governor Bullock, 4/6/2017

On Government Reform: Primary allows spending $667K instead of returning it

Bill McChesney's entry into the race allows Bullock to spend $666,642 in campaign contributions he has in the bank earmarked for the primary. He has already spent nearly $136,000 in campaign funds meant for the primary election. State law requires candidates to return the money if they run unopposed.

"Steve welcomes others into the race and looks forward to earning the nomination and then a second term so he can continue to move Montana forward," Bullock's campaign manager said in a statement.

Bullock's campaign has been singularly focused on defeating Greg Gianforte, the Republican candidate and Bozeman tech entrepreneur, in November's general election. Gianforte does not have a primary opponent.

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

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 our peace officers to criminal sanctions for upholding the oath we ask that they take.

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

On Health Care: Passed Medicaid expansion with bipartisan support

On Health Care: COVID: don't like masks but need to let science drive this