Christopher Pope

Healthcare I believe affordable healthcare for all Montanans is an essential goal, and a core value of our future quality of life here in the Treasure State. A healthy and productive workforce is an immediate outcome. But, it’s also just a beginning to a vision of Healthy Communities: the State needs to move swiftly to improve mental health services, to reduce health care costs to seniors, to encourage active lifestyles in our communities, and to take meaningful steps to end substance abuse that is epidemic across our state, most tragically among our youth. Environment / Energy I will fight for access to public lands, clean air and water, a serious pragmatic approach to addressing climate change, and leadership in energy conservation and renewable energy development – to ensure that Montana continues to be that special place to live, work and recreate. Education I will advocate for proper funding, merit-based management, and programmatic innovation to promote excellence in our K-12 and higher-ed schools. And, as an extension to excellence in formal education, I will advocate for opportunities for our students to volunteer and to give back to their community – a Montana version of the 21st Century Conservation Corps. Economy Montana needs to increase its share of new and emerging markets, and State government must do its part to help businesses transition to best practices of sustainability, technology transfer and industry collaboration. Economy I know what businesses need to thrive and I will work hard to create jobs and economic opportunity in the Montana Senate and across the Treasure State. Infrastructure / Transportation I am a proponent for the careful, timely reinvestment in our state’s critical infrastructure – whether that be for roads and bridges, community water and sewer systems, or public energy and communications infrastructure. Infrastructure / Transportation I would expressly include the renovation of the iconic Romney Hall on Montana State University’s campus in the conversation of infrastructure investment.