What the Helena

By Forward Montana

What the Helena is a podcast from Forward Montana that attempts to answer the questions: what the hell is going on in the Montana State Legislature, and why should I give a shit? Each week, we will pr... more

· Government

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FAQs about What the Helena:

How many episodes does What the Helena have?

The podcast currently has 70 episodes available.

What the Helena episodes:

May 02, 2021 19. Last Call (It's So Hard to Say Goodbye)
Well, friends, we made it. The legislative session has come to a close. All that's left to do is make one last round of phone calls to Governor Gianforte before we pack up, regroup, and continue the work in our communities. This is our final regular episode, but tune in next week for one last hurrah, where we'll talk about what things look like for us moving forward-- featuring some very, very special guests. Thanks for coming on this wild ride with us-- we'll miss ya.
Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode:
NO to HB112
NO to HB506, HB651, and HB530.
If you've enjoyed What the Helena and want to support us in continuing this work, consider making a donation.
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12min
April 25, 2021 18. New Laws, Colonial Attitudes, and a Rapidly Approaching Finish Line
Well folks, we've reached the point in the session where lots of bills, most of them bad, are being signed into law. BUT! There's still time to make your voice heard on some VERY important issues. Today, we're bringing you updates on the last big pushes before the end of the session to protect trans Montanans, tribal sovereignty, and corporate accountability. We're so close; let's finish strong!
Check out this list of Montana housing resources, and connect with the Montana Housing Coalition to keep working towards an affordable future.
Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode:
NO to HB112 and SB280
NO to HB651
NO to SB214
NO to HB695
NO to SB399 and SB159

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15min
April 18, 2021 17. Exciting Wins, Extreme Makeovers, and Veto Pressure ft. Eliza Donahue, Brianna Shadle, and David Samollow
We are THRILLED to bring you some exciting news about big bad bills going down! Of course, there's still work to do: we also have updates on voting rights attacks, tax codes, NorthWestern Energy trickery, and which bills are awaiting their fate on the Governor's desk. Plus, climate organizer Eliza Donahue and FMT intern Brianna Shadle interview David Samollow from Earthtone Outside MT about working to create space and community for people of color in Montana's great outdoors.
Sign up to submit artwork to our collaborative economic justice project by the end of the day today!
Check out the upcoming protest at the Capitol against the anti-trans sports ban, HB112.
Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode:
NO to HB651
NO to SB399
Thank your senator for voting NO on SB100
NO to SB379
NO to HB273, HB481, and HB576
Thank your senator for voting NO on HB244
...more
30min
April 15, 2021 16. SPECIAL EPISODE: A Constitutional Crisis?! ft. Rep. Laurie Bishop
We are coming at you with another very special, very important episode! As if this legislative session weren't wild enough, we are now witnessing an unprecedented attempt from Republicans to undermine the nonpartisanship and power of the Montana judiciary. The courts exist to check the power of the executive and legislative branches. If that power check is jeopardized, we could find ourselves (and our rights) in some very sticky situations. Rep. Laurie Bishop joined us to discuss the details of what's going down in Helena, and what's at stake for all Montanans.
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13min
April 14, 2021 15. BONUS EPISODE: The Affordable Housing Crisis ft. David Ailanjian and Heidi West
It's no secret that cities and towns across Montana are experiencing an affordable housing crisis. In this very special bonus episode, Forward Montana intern David Ailanjian interviews Missoula City Councilperson Heidi West about some of the tools local government has to address this problem, as well as the challenges posed by this legislative session.
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43min
April 11, 2021 14. ARPA, Initiatives, and the Future of Affordable Housing ft. David Ailanjian and Hermina Harold
Well, folks, we've reached a new milestone in the legislative session: it's time to add the Governor's office to your speed dial. We've got updates for you on anti-trans legislation, ballot initiatives, and more. PLUS, a very special interview with Hermina Harold, the director of Trust Montana, conducted by FMT intern, David Ailanjian! They get into current affordable housing efforts in Montana and what the path to an equitable housing future might look like. Tune in for a bonus episode on Wednesday to hear from David and Heidi West, Missoula City Councilperson, and learn more about local governments' affordable housing tools!
Submit to our LGBTQ2S+ Zine!
Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode:
NO to HB112, HB427, SB215, and SB280
NO to HB259, HB401, HB402, HB439, and HB541
NO to SB100
NO to HB651
NO to HB176 and HB169
NO to HB448
NO to SB379
NO to HB632
...more
36min
April 04, 2021 13. Healthcare, Community Care, WE Care!
Comin' at you this week with all the usual suspects: voter suppression, student debt, threats to healthcare access, and continued attacks on trans Montanans. As we speed toward the end of the session, more and more bills are making their way to the Governor's desk. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for all the most up-to-date calls to action!
Coming up:
Tuesday, April 6 -- Join us and some of our partners for a virtual Public Lands Rally from 12-1pm. We’ll hear short speeches from Conrad Anker (climber, mountaineer, & author), Francine Spang-Willis (board member, Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation), Rachel Schmidt (former director, Office of MT Outdoor Recreation), and Andrew Posewitz (sportsman & hunting ethics advocate). And we’ll remind our legislators to protect the lands we love.
If you identify as LGBTQ2S+, consider submitting art, writing, or a letter of support to our upcoming zine by April 9th.
If you need to be with other trans folks right now or if you are a parent of a trans, nonbinary, or Two Spirit child and want to talk with people who understand, email [email protected] for information about support groups facilitated by the Montana Gender Alliance. If there is other support you need and can’t find, or if you have dreams for what community support could look like moving forward, contact Izzy at [email protected].
Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode!
NO to HB176 and SB169
NO to HB689
NO to SB100 and HB676
NO to HB481
NO to SB379

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13min
March 28, 2021 12. Energy Battles, Billion Dollar Bailout, and Money for Montana! ft. Anne Hedges and Conor Ploeger
It seems like we say this every week, but we've got a LOT to talk about! From the American Rescue Plan Act, to Montana's budget debates, to moral panics and more, we've got all the updates for you. Plus, a conversation with climate superheroes Anne Hedges and Conor Ploeger from the Montana Environmental Information Center about energy and environmental legislation to watch.
Upcoming events:
Monday, March 29 -- Join the MT chapter of the Sierra club for a virtual phone bank -- we’ll be calling our communities about HB481, a bill to add severe penalties for fossil fuel protest
Tuesday, April 6 -- Join us and many of our partners for a virtual Public Lands Rally
Bills in this episode:
NO to HB176
NO to SB169
NO to HB406
NO to HB651
NO to SB379
NO to HB112 and HB427
NO to SB215 and SB280
NO to HB273
NO to HB475 and HB576
YES! to HB654
...more
32min
March 21, 2021 11. Decorum, Personhood, and Regulation Rollbacks ft. Brian Hoffman
Folks, we have a LOT to talk about this week. In this episode, we get into the legislature's decorum debate, a big bad law-and-order bill, the "personhood amendment," hate-based legislation, and MORE. Plus, we chat with Forward Montana's Flathead Lead Organizer, Brian, about organizing in the time of COVID-19, anti-vaxxers, homeoprophylaxis (what?!), and legislative attacks to public health.
Events this week:
Tuesday, March 23 -- Voting Rights Happy Hour
Wednesday, March 24 -- Climate Justice and Public Lands Happy Hour
Take action on the bills mentioned in this episode!
NO to HB337
NO to SB280
NO to SB220
NO to SB260
NO to SB201 and SB237
NO to HB176
NO to HB406
NO to HB112 and HB427
...more
31min
March 14, 2021 10. Separation of Church and Hate ft. Laura Terrill
As we launch into the second half of the legislative session, there are still plenty of bills on the chopping block. In this episode, we cover updates on discriminatory "religious freedom" bills, the Native American Voting Rights Act, Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, and (more) bills benefiting only the wealthiest Montanans. PLUS, we talk with Laura Terrill from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana about her hopes, fears, and what this session could mean for reproductive healthcare in the state. If you already read our written newsletter and want to jump straight to this interview, skip to 12:30!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
March 15 - Rainbow Rally at the Capitol (masks required!)
March 16- We’re Here, We’re Queer, We’re Really F*cking Tired - a space for LGBTQ+ Montanans to vent, dream, and plan together
March 17 - Town Hall with Rep. Alice Buckley and Rep. Emma Kerr Carpenter
To support Indigenous-led organizations doing the work to address our state's MMIP epidemic, check out MMIP Montana Reporting, Sisters United, Western Native Voice, or the Snowbird Fund.
Follow these links to take action on all of the bills mentioned this week:
MMIP bills
No to SB159
No to HB259
No to SB182
No to SB215 & SB172
...more
36min

FAQs about What the Helena:

How many episodes does What the Helena have?

The podcast currently has 70 episodes available.