Steve Bullock in Great Falls Tribune
On Abortion:
Rejected that insurers have plans with and without abortion
Bullock rejected a bill by Sen. Cary Smith 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: As a father, husband, and son, I stand firmly opposed to restrictions on a woman's ability to make deeply personal medical decisions in consultation with her medical provider, family members, and spiritual leaders.
Source: Great Falls Tribune on Montana voting records for SB 349
Apr 30, 2015
On Civil Rights:
First MT governor to officiate same-sex wedding
Gov. Steve Bullock recently became the first governor in Montana history to officiate a same-sex marriage. He performed it Sept. 12 for Mike Wessler, his deputy communications director, and Wade Zolynski.
About 100 people were in attendance. Wessler gave his boss kudos for a job well done. The state has recognized same-sex marriage since November.
Source: Great Falls Tribune on 2016 Montana gubernatorial race
Oct 23, 2015
On Gun Control:
Believes in 2nd Amendment, but not guns in wrong hands
In 1994, I learned my 11-year old nephew had been shot and killed in Butte, Montana. Last fall, my son shot his first deer. He was prepared. We reinforced his hunter safety course. It was a moment he and I will never forget. Both experiences shape my
views of gun policy, as a policymaker and a parent. Americans calling for restrictions on weapons want their families to be safe. Americans calling for protection of the Second Amendment want their families to be safe.
I'm a gun owner who believes in the Constitution. If we approach gun violence from the shared value of protecting our families and focus on what we have in common, we can make meaningful progress. We need to work towards a society where
mass shootings and schoolyard deaths are not only illegal, they are unheard of. Let's focus on what works. Most gun owners are law abiding, yet too often guns get into the wrong hands. That's why the first step ought to be universal background checks.
Source: Great Falls Tribune OpEd for 2020 Montana gubernatorial race
May 30, 2018
On Homeland Security:
Upgrading Air National Guard better use of money than wall
Bullock called on Montana's two Republican congressional members to intervene with the Trump administration's plans to use funds appropriated for upgrading the Montana Air National Guard C-130 fleet for a border wall. "This reprogramming
will further delay C-130H modernization, thereby weakening the mission of our Montana National Guard and putting our Airmen at risk flying 40-year-old planes," Bullock wrote.
Source: The Great Falls Tribune on 2020 Montana Senate race
Feb 24, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Has "grave concerns" over use of military on protests
Bullock has "grave concerns" about the evoking of the Insurrection Act and the use of federal military after President Donald J. Trump suggested using active-duty troops to halt protests nationwide caused by the death of George Floyd.
Marissa Perry, communications director for Bullock, said Thursday he believes it should be up to governors to determine what is best to fit their states' unique circumstances.
Source: The Great Falls Tribune on 2020 Montana Senate race
Jun 5, 2020
On Social Security:
Vetoed state tax exemption for Social Security income
Bullock vetoed Senate Bill 217, a proposal that would exempt from taxes the first $30,000 in Social Security income for a single person and $60,000 for a couple. He said SB 217 "would have an immediate $3 million negative impact in
Fiscal Year 2019, increasing to more than a $36 million during the 2021-2022 biennium. "A negative impact of this magnitude would jeopardize critical services that Montanans of all ages rely on, including low-income seniors," he wrote.
Source: Great Falls Tribune on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race
Apr 19, 2019
Page last updated: Oct 30, 2024