Native representation in Montana legislature up in 2019

MISSOULA - Native American representation in Montana's state government is trailblazing the rest of the nation. A record-breaking number of Native Americans served as elected lawmakers in the state's 2019 legislative session, over 40 Bills involving Native American issues were introduced, and a proposed budget of $5.4 million was introduced to support tribal initiatives.

Former State-Tribal Policy Analyst Heather Cahoon (Salish) said interaction between state and tribal agencies are mutually beneficial. "There is incentive for the tribes and state to work together," she said. "They're both addressing the needs of their shared citizen and looking for ways to grow and maximize their shared economies."

http://www.charkoosta.com/news/native-representation-in-montana-legislature-up-in/article_d2b4d5e0-6d1e-11e9-b138-33f3d4bd0178.html