Smith To Serve House District 31
Although he wasn’t pleased with the election results from most of the state, Frank Smith, D-Poplar, is looking forward to serving House District 31 at the Montana Legislature in 2021.
“I always say, the voters have spoken,” Smith said regarding the results. “We have to live with it.”
Results included Greg Gianforte being elected as Montana’s new governor and Republicans keeping their majorities in the State House and Senate.
Smith, who ran unopposed, said he’s been in the minority for 18 of the 20 years that he has represented the area.
“I think if the legislators will work together, we will be able to get some things done,” the Democrat said.
He’s hopeful that Gianforte makes a positive effort of working with Democrats.
“Montana is too big to strictly go with party lines,” Smith said. “Every area, East and West, has their own priorities. We have too many out-of-state people in the legislature. They don’t understand how important agriculture is.”
The look of the Legislature might be much different than normal because of virus concerns. Smith doesn’t believe meetings will be conducted in person and in Helena.
“I think plans are to use Zoom videoing, which I don’t like,” Smith said. “You don’t get the feeling of the people testifying that way.”
He says that Montana Farmers Union has requested him to sponsor a bill in support of COOL, Country of Origin Labeling. He said the legislature had report last session, but then some legislators felt there was a better federal plan.
“I don’t see why they’ve been dragging their feet,” Smith said. “I believe people want to know where their food comes from.”
Another measure that Smith is consider sponsoring regards putting e-cigarettes under the tobacco related category so minors can’t purchase the items. Smith also wants a large tax apply on e-cigarettes.
Smith said that supporting area health care has always been a priority for him.
Committee assignments will be announced during December. He hopes to be put on the transportation and agriculture committees.
