Short Bio:
- Mary is a single mother with four children who knows what it’s like to work two jobs to keep a family going
- Mary was born and raised in Montana
- Mother of four children, Margaret graduate of U of M, Hallie Jr. at U. of M., Joseph and Kenji students at Helena High.
Experience:
Mary has served in the Montana legislature for six years and been the executive director of WEEL—Working for Equality and Economic Liberation for more than a decade. She’s owned a small business and worked as a waitress. Mary is a member of the following boards and councils:
- Vice chair of House Health and Human Services Committee
- Montana Health Care Advisory Council
- Northwest Energy Coalition
- Growing Communities and Gro—Montana
- Helena YWCA
- Helena Golden Nuggets
- Montana Kids Count
Advocacy Awards and Honors 2005-2010:
- MT Food Security Council: Recognized Mary for innovative solutions to hunger for the community garden project.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars: Recognized Mary for her legislation on behalf of homeless vets.
- Habitat for Humanity: Chose Mary to head up their Teddy Bear Parade
- Families USA: “National Consumer Health Advocate of the Year”
- Petra Fellow: Chosen for her work as an unsung hero for human rights
- 2009 Special Food Security Council Award: For her untiring efforts to find funding for emergency food for Montanans.
- Disability Rights Organization, AWARE: “Advocate of the Year”
- Fleming Fellow: Selected for her courage, commitment to public service and understanding of the integral role of government in social justice
- National Partnership for Women and Families: “Legislator doing the Most for Working Families.”
Beliefs:
- We can build an inclusive economy that works for all Montanans by investing in small business, education, and job training
- Essential services such as food, health care and education must come first in times of scarce budget resources.
- Fair taxation is essential to an effective government
- Senior citizen’s should not be forced to choose between a meal and medication
- Public lands should stay in public hands
“I’ve listened for many years as your legislator and as a community organizer. Bringing people together, we’ve accomplished a lot, but there’s more to do. I’ve experienced first-hand how state policies effect Montanans. I will continue working for you in the Senate.”
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