Latest news with #Boldman
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Senate stands by decision to cut some arts groups' funding, give more to others
The main stairway to the third floor of the Montana Capitol building is seen on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. (Nathaniel Bailey for the Daily Montanan) A controversial bill to support arts programs but that left more than a dozen without expected funds passed a near-final hurdle in the Senate on Monday. On a 29-21 vote, the Senate approved House Bill 9, with a reminder from Sen. Ellie Boldman, D-Missoula, of the source of the funds for the programs. 'These projects are powered by coal,' said Boldman, who carried the bill in the Senate. HB 9 appropriates $953,500 for cultural and aesthetic grants, including money for museums, at least one library, a history project, dance company and other arts groups. Originally, around 75 groups asked for grants of $12,500 to $13,000 each, but that's not how legislators allocated the dollars. Earlier this session, sponsor Rep. John Fitzpatrick, R-Anaconda, sparked criticism from people in the arts community after he suggested groups whose representatives didn't testify at the Capitol about their programs were 'slackers' and shouldn't get funding. 'They're running a business, and they can't even take five minutes for a 'give-me' check?' Fitzpatrick, chairperson of the subcommittee, said earlier. Some arts leaders said they didn't know their appearance was mandatory. Staff from the Montana Arts Council, which administers the program for the state, told lawmakers that they had mistakenly communicated to the groups that their attendance was not required, and attendance would not impact funding. Nonetheless, legislators in the subcommittee unanimously agreed to cut funding from groups that didn't show up in person to testify and reduce funds for groups that submitted only written testimony. Lawmakers subsequently made only slight adjustments to the bill, and on the Senate floor Tuesday, Boldman stressed that the funding allocations are up to legislators, who are not a rubber stamp. 'It's not a lot of money, but it's still public money, so we do take that seriously,' Boldman said. She said if groups didn't appear either remotely or in person, then their applications weren't funded, and 17 fell into that category. However, Boldman described the funded projects as 'awesome' and representing counties across Montana. She described the process in response to a question from Sen. Jacinda Morigeau, D-Arlee, about how funding decisions were made. Morigeau said some of her constituents had reached out to tell her the process wasn't clear this year. 'I just wanted to stand up on their behalf and say that it is a real detriment to some of these small rural, rural, rural programs, that they weren't funded,' Morigeau said. However, Morigeau also said she would encourage them to apply again in two years. Sen. Bob Phalen, R-Lindsay, wanted to know if some of the establishments that received funding were 'still displaying obscenities.' Phalen said he wasn't referring to any specific project but to a bill he sponsored in 2023 to curb obscenity. In response, Boldman said she wasn't aware of any establishments showcasing obscene material. Earlier reporting by the Daily Montanan found the applicant for one group requesting money was Fitzpatrick's wife, and it was among those that received more money than originally proposed, and the only one to receive more than twice its original request. Fitzpatrick, though, earlier told the Daily Montanan that he didn't have a conflict of interest to disclose, at least not any more than he could be seen to have one with any other number of groups in his district. On the Senate floor, Boldman said she too is connected with some of the groups, such as a children's theater in which her son participates. Sen. Christopher Pope, D-Bozeman, said he supported the bill, but he also didn't want to see arts organizations stricken from the bill in the future, having seen 'quality organizations being crossed off.' However, Sen. Denley Loge, R-St. Regis, said the grants help small communities such as his, and he appreciates the idea that those who want support show up. 'It shows that they have to have a little skin in the game of time and involvement,' Loge said. The bill earlier passed the House on a 58-39 vote, and it needs to pass another vote in the Senate.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Tired of it': Fuller comment draws ire, accusations of sexism in Senate
Sen. John Fuller, R-Kalispell, testifies during a bill hearing in 2023. (Photo by Blair Miller / Daily Montanan) Debate over legislation prohibiting towns from enacting red flag gun laws, House Bill 809, led to accusations of sexism in the Senate chamber over the weekend. The hot button issue drew strong testimony from numerous senators, including Sen. Ellie Boldman, a Missoula Democrat. The bill, brought by Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls and carried in the Senate by Sen. Theresa Manzella, R-Hamilton, states, 'extreme risk protection orders violate a person's right to bear arms under the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution.' According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 'Research has shown that states can save lives by authorizing courts to issue extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) that temporarily prevent a person in crisis from accessing firearms.' Arguing against the bill, Boldman spoke about a man who killed a woman with a gun, explaining numerous red flags that should have prevented him from having a weapon. Sen. John Fuller, R-Kalispell, then accused Boldman of being melodramatic. 'I enjoyed the histrionics of the opponent to this bill,' Fuller said. Boldman later called his criticism 'blatant sexism' in a social media post. Fuller's statement elicited an immediate, though quiet, reaction in Senate chambers with several members looking on in shock. Sen. Cora Neumann, D-Bozeman, asked Fuller to clarify what he had said after the Kalispell legislator finished explaining why he thought local governments shouldn't be allowed to enact gun laws. 'Histrionic is defined as undue emotion in presentation of what they believe to be true,' Fuller said. 'I believe that's the definition.' The Senate approvedHouse Bill 809 in a 29-21 vote shortly after. However, at the end of the meeting, when senators may make comments unrelated to agenda items, several referenced the debate over HB 809. Sen. Jacinda Morigeau, D-Arlee, expressed frustration with how women in Senate chambers are treated. 'We live in a society where words have additional connotations beyond their dictionary definitions,' Morigeau said. 'So I must say that the use of histrionics has always been derogatory towards women.' Morigeau said she's witnessed disrespect toward women time and time again during the Legislature. She said the body frequently consults its decorum rules for other matters, but not when it comes to the way women are treated. 'I have seen in my 73 days in here, over and over, many times, the women in this body being put down, overtly, subtly,' Morigeau said. 'And I just, I am tired of it.' Fuller also spoke, again defining histrionics, and said, 'if someone takes offense to that, I'm sorry, I apologize, but there is nothing wrong with them being dramatic, lively and excitable in this chamber.' Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings commented how men's speech can be perceived as 'passionate' while when women speak, it's sometimes referred to as 'emotional.' He apologized for his caucus and said the chamber needs to do better. 'We all have the right to have our arguments,' Zolnikov said, adding they also had the right to argue, 'how we want to.' Manzella spoke in defense of her male colleagues. 'I would like to specifically thank the men in this chamber, and specifically on my side of the aisle,' Manzella said. 'Thank you, guys.'
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Montana colleges could directly pay student-athletes under NIL bills
The University of Montana campus is pictured. (Jordan Hansen / Daily Montanan) Two bills regulating student-athlete compensation at colleges across the state are headed to the governor's desk after passage through the Montana Legislature on Friday. Senate Bill 482 requires written contracts for student-athlete usage of their name, image and likeness, while Senate Bill 271 removes an existing prohibition on schools directly paying student-athletes. Sen. Ellie Boldman, D-Missoula introduced both bills, which she said will allow Montana's largest schools to be competitive in the Big Sky Conference. She also brought the state's original NIL legislation in 2021. 'If folks do care about the nuance, it actually puts more side rails on NIL for student athletes,' Boldman said in a committee hearing on both bills on April 7. 'The university themselves will have a little bit more control over making sure that student athletes understand their contractual agreements and make sure that they're not taken advantage of in the private sector.' On SB 482, Boldman said, 'We just want to make sure if you're going to offer our student athletes a deal, it's got to be in writing.' The new law rolls back previous laws that specifically prohibited Montana universities and colleges from paying their student-athletes. As an example, some colleges have begun to place student-athletes names on the back of jerseys sold to fans — the players then get a cut of that revenue. Institutions are already allowed to act as agents or add name, image and likeness agreements to scholarship agreements. The legislation does not change outside endorsement deals, though does formalize those agreements in writing, meaning a verbal agreement does not constitute a legally binding contract. 'This is about fairness, opportunity, and keeping Montana competitive,' Boldman said in a press release. Montana has three schools that compete in the NCAA: The University of Montana, Montana State University and Montana State University-Billings. Similar discussions have occurred at the federal level, and a federal court is expected to soon rule on a $2.8 billion antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA which, if found against the athletics organizations, could allow student-athletes to have revenue sharing agreements and provide backpay. Boldman said her bills will allow Montana student athletes to take part in the settlement. 'We want our student athletes to be able to opt into that settlement, which will then entitle them to some additional compensation,' Boldman said. Representatives from Montana and Montana State both testified in support of the bill during its hearing. 'We have the compliance and support staff here to navigate this constantly changing landscape, and this change gives us the certainty we need to act within the bounds of state law,' UM spokesperson Dave Kuntz said during the hearing for SB 271. 'With other legislative bodies around the region making similar changes, this bill will help ensure campus policies remain in line with our regional competitors as well.' Beyond the NCAA schools in the state, the six Montana schools whose athletic teams belong to the Frontier Conference in the NAIA could also be impacted. In 2020, the NAIA passed name, image and likeness rules for its member schools. It allowed athletes to be paid, but, Montana Tech men's basketball head coach Adam Hiatt said, 'the NAIA legislation did not intend to allow schools to pay student-athletes directly for NIL purposes.' He added some Tech student-athletes have been able to take advantage of agreements for their name, image and likeness. He said there's no plan to pay players through the school until the NAIA changes its policies. Montana Tech athletic director Matt Stepan said the university is reviewing the legislation to see how it will impact them. 'While the new legislation may not have an immediate or direct effect on our recruiting efforts, changes of this nature often create ripple effects throughout college athletics,' Stepan said. 'We'll be monitoring the situation closely to determine any indirect implications for NAIA institutions and student-athletes.' The Frontier Conference includes Treasure State schools Montana Tech, University of Montana Western, Carroll College, University of Providence, Montana State University-Northern and Rocky Mountain College.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GLO gets closer to park after five years of wins
We're only a few months into 2025, and many groups are making big leaps in progress when it comes to accomplishing their mission. One group that has done nothing but make waves in big ways turns five this year and has a lot to show for it already. Growing Lucasville Opportunities was dreamed up by a group of community leaders and business owners during the pandemic and went into full swing as soon as things opened back up. The idea was simple: Lucasville needed a park, and residents needed a reason to be proud of the township. The group started small with programs and events that benefited the community while making big plans for a park. Over the coming years, they'd receive major grants and donations, step up their event game to major feats and become a household name. The idea for the park came when leaders of GLO saw people ordering food on lunchbreaks during the shutdown but had nowhere to eat. The indoor dining options were closed and there was no park. People were sitting in the cemetery and in parking lots to eat out of their car. This gave them the idea of starting a park project, since the township has never had one. They didn't think small, however, and pulled together a plan to include a covered structure, a war memorial, a playground, hiking trails, an amphitheater and more. They collected big and small donations, won grants and even competed in a national competition with Kubota to bring home big cash donations and national attention. 'Last year was good to us, with our drive-in and community tree lighting events; people are becoming expectant of these events and get excited each year,' GLO's Treg Cunningham said. 'We made a lot of progress in the park development as well. The amphitheater project is pretty much wrapped up now, which was the largest phase of the community park project. We are over the hill with the overall park project, but we're halfway there now and we are going to begin wrapping up.' The organization also added the Southern Ohio War Memorial to the park last year, in partnership with the Memorial Committee. 'It is a beautiful memorial honoring killed in action service members from eight southern Ohio counties going back to World War I,' GLO's Kenny Boldman said. 'The monuments, military flags and brick pavers are a beautiful new addition in 2024. We also have pavers that can be purchased for $35 to honor any honorably discharged southern Ohio service member.' Pavers can be ordered by calling 740.285.5778 or contacting any Lucasville American Legion member. Boldman also spoke heavily about the group's recently purchased playground equipment and previous accomplishments, such as the covered meeting structure and the future plans of hiking trails and more. According to Boldman, the playground element is essential to the park's purpose. 'Lucasville has never had a community park or playground for the kids. Our order has been placed, and we expect the materials to arrive in the next couple months,' Boldman explained. 'So, next summer, we will be working on building our playground for the kids, which is exciting.' Boldman also commented on the growth of events managed by GLO. 'We are seeing an increase of interest in people pertaining to the events we are doing,' Boldman said. '2024 was a good year for several things that we did, and it will impact us in the future. With the amphitheater completed, we're looking forward to hosting some concerts and events in the park.' Events have included Christmas tree lightings with massive opportunities for things to do, other smaller events, and the revival of the Lucasville Scioto Breeze Drive-in, which has welcomed thousands back into Lucasville chasing nostalgia. With the community park getting closer and closer to completion, and more interest building in the group's endeavors, Cunningham explained that the GLO event committee is currently evaluating the slate of events. 'We've been doing well with events, but that committee is going back to the drawing board this year to see how we can improve events and new things we can add to the calendar, including events and festivals,' Cunningham said. 'The tree lighting and drive in should continue, but we are not done looking at ways of improving GLO as an organization while providing more opportunities to the community.' Cunningham, Boldman, and the rest of GLO members are excited to see so much of their plan coming together and manifesting, their events continuing to grow, and opportunities for Lucasville to improve in the future. 'It's exciting to think about our achievements,' Cunningham said. 'We go back and forth on this topic as an organization when we hit a roadblock or feel discouraged. When we can look back, knowing we started between four and five years ago and are half a million dollars into this park project; it is a big accomplishment for this group and community as a whole. We've had a lot of support from the community and look forward to growing.' Follow GLO on Facebook for updates on their park planning and event.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Missoula State Sen. Boldman pleads guilty to DUI
Photo illustration by Getty Images. Democratic State Sen. Ellie Boldman of Missoula pleaded guilty to a driving under the influence charge after sleeping in her car while intoxicated on Saturday night. Boldman, an attorney and seven-term legislator, appeared in Helena Municipal Court on Monday and entered a guilty plea for a misdemeanor DUI offense. The DUI charge was first reported by Montana Public Radio. In a statement, Boldman called the incident the 'biggest mistake of my life,' and apologized for her actions. According to a police report, Boldman was sleeping in a vehicle 'obstructing the roadway,' parked near Park Avenue and Placer Avenue. A blood alcohol test showed a blood alcohol content of .149 — higher than the legal limit to operate a noncommercial vehicle of .08. Boldman had attended the Democratic Party's Mansfield Metcalf dinner at the Lewis and Clark County fairgrounds on Saturday night and then went out with friends where she 'had too much to drink,' according to her statement. She said she called for an Uber and waited for it to arrive in her car. She turned the car on to keep warm and fell asleep until a police officer knocked on her window, and asked if she had been drinking. 'I immediately admitted I had but explained I had no intention to drive,' she said in her statement. 'While I had no intention to drive, I am a licensed attorney and I know the law is clear that despite not driving, I was in actual physical control of my vehicle because the car was running and I was intoxicated. I know that DUIs are serious offenses, and I do not intend to make any excuses for my actions.' Boldman was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine with $300 suspended and sentenced to 180 days in jail, all suspended. Under the conditions of her suspension, Boldman is prohibited from entering bars or casinos for six months and will undergo a chemical dependency evaluation. 'The case is over. I am committed to getting back to the work of the session, completing the necessary penalties, and I will make sure that anything like this will never happen again,' Boldman said. 'I take full responsibility for what happened, and I appreciate the respectfulness of law enforcement through the entire incident.' Senate Democratic Leadership released the following statement about the incident: 'We are disappointed in her lack of judgment that evening. However, we are happy that she has taken responsibility for her actions both publicly and before the court.' Earlier this legislative session, lawmakers introduced a bill that would have provided a new definition of 'actual physical control' of a vehicle in DUI laws. Senate Bill 196 would have excluded instances when an individual is seated in any seat other than the driver's seat when the engine is running but the vehicle not in a propulsion gear. The bill was tabled in the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which Boldman is not a member.
