Montana Democrats met in their historical stronghold of Butte for the party’s 2022 platform convention, reaffirming support for positions core to the party’s identity following a year of Republican control of the state that’s seen a rapid advancement of conservative policies emerging from Helena.

With plenty of policy discussion but little emphasis on campaigning, emphasis was on statements of principle. Democrats approved the new platform.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte asked Montana Supreme Court justices to reverse a 1999 decision that upholds abortion access, in favor of allowing state legislators to set new laws.

Martha Fuller, CEO of Planned Parenthood said ".. the governor’s insistence that the Legislature has the final say on the restriction or elimination of a fundamental right is an insult to Montanans and our Constitution.” Gianforte leads the Republican attack on women.

What’s happening in the American west is part of a wider trend affecting hundreds of millions of people across the world who are impacted by climate change, UNEP said, as drought and desertification are quickly becoming the new normal everywhere – from the US to Europe and Africa.

Experts warn that as the crisis deepens, water cuts will need to be introduced, but may not be enough. We must act to protect the environment!