Is The Big Beautiful Bill Bad For Montana?

I try to stay away from politics as much as possible. Now, don't get me wrong, it's one of my favorite subjects, but I understand that I'm never going to change anyone's mind, and I'm wasting my energy trying.

For the most part, I'm conservative, although I have a couple of liberal tendencies.

If you look at my voting record, it's pretty consistent, although I'm not one of those straight ticket types. I'm also not one of those folks who drink the red or blue Kool-Aid and then repeat whatever I'm told by my news channel of choice.

I believe that you can vote for someone and not agree with everything they do or say. I realize that's crazy talk nowadays, but I refuse to line up and march with anyone 100 percent of the time.

READ MORE: Montana's Most Beautiful Spot Revealed

I bring all of this up because there has been a ton of talk about The Big Beautiful Bill. If you're not aware, it's a bill that will affect a ton of different government agencies, including ones that are near and dear to many Montanans.

Now, keep in mind I'm not a scholar on legislature, nor do I claim to be. However, a quick Google search produced the following topics on what could happen in Montana and surrounding areas if the Bill becomes law.

• Funding Cuts for Rangers, Emergency Responders, and Scientists
• Reduced Staffing, which would affect Law Enforcement, Visitor Services, and Park Infrastructure
• Oil and Gas Drilling near National Parks
• Millions of acres of public land surrounding National Parks could be sold
• Privatization of Public Recreational Areas, Wildlife Habitats, and Historic Sites

Of course, those are just a handful of items.

Now, once again, I'm certainly not an expert on these matters, and only some of that or none of that may happen here in Montana. However, it is a bit alarming, and folks should probably do their research before blindly lining up to drink whatever flavor of Kool-Aid they prefer.

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So, by all means. Educate yourself on this and all other Bills that our elected officials put forward. No matter the side that puts them forth, they're always filled with extra stuff they tend not to tell you about.