Common sense leadership to build Montana’s future

I am a Missoula native, University of Montana graduate and completed a thirty-nine year career in Missoula’s County Public Schools retiring as Superintendent in 2019. My wife Mary and I are proud parents of two daughters, Lindsay and Emilie. My community engagement has included service on a number of local boards, including the Missoula Family YMCA, SPARK! Arts Missoula, the Missoula Education Foundation, the Missoula Economic Partnership, the United Way of Missoula County, Young Audiences of Western Montana, Community Medical Center and Partnership Health Center. I am a member of the Montana Federation of Public Employees.

Montana Ambassadors 2025 Legislator of the Year

I am grateful to have been honored as "2025 Montana Legislator of the Year" by the Montana Ambassadors at their recent convening in Big Sky. The award is based on "demonstrated leadership in the Montana Legislature in support of the state's business and economic development." I recognize that legislating is a "team sport" and I am fortunate to serve with a host of colleagues who are equally deserving of recognition. We will continue our work to serve the best interests of our constituents and the state of Montana.

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In the News:

Governor’s Flat Tax Initiative

  • The proposal also drew criticism from two Democratic lawmakers who focus on tax policy, Rep. Mark Thane, D-Missoula, and Sen. Dave Fern, D-Whitefish.

In a written statement co-published with Fern, Thane called Gianforte’s pitch a “tax break for the wealthiest income earners.” 

“If there’s one thing we have learned, it’s that trickle down economics is a myth,” Thane wrote.

“Businesses and working families expect and deserve a quality public school system, well-funded public safety, affordable housing projects, and workforce development. All of that is threatened by the flat tax,” Fern wrote in the same release. (9/8/26, Montana Free Press)

  • State Democrats and the Montana Budget and Policy Center, which is a nonprofit focused on budget issues, opposed the idea and spoke out Tuesday. 

“This proposal is a $120 million tax break for the wealthiest income earners. If there’s one thing we have learned, it’s that trickle-down economics is a myth,” Rep. Mark Thane, a Missoula Democrat and the vice chair of the House Taxation Committee during the 2025 session, said in a new release. “The state is currently failing to honor the agreed upon 3% provider rate increase for Medicaid, jeopardizing our rural hospitals and healthcare providers. What have other states done when faced with revenue shortfalls? They instituted a statewide sales tax.”

Thane added that Democrats also would “never” support a statewide sales tax, which has been discussed among state Republicans heading into the 2027 legislative session. (9/9/26, Daily Montanan)

  • Democratic lawmakers also blasted the governor’s plan in statements issued shortly after the press conference in Helena.

“Who doesn’t want to lower taxes?” Sen. Dave Fern, a Whitefish Democrat and vice chair of the Revenue Interim Committee, said in a press release. “Unfortunately, the governor’s tax cut won’t actually go to middle class families.”(9/9/26, Helena IR)

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Missoula Legislators Describe Three Property Tax Relief Programs
Mark Thane, running for his third term representing House District 99, joined fellow legislator Jonathan Karlen in House District 66 to discuss the matter and take calls from KGVO listeners. Read More

The Montana Constitution enshrines the right to a clean and healthful environment as well as the right of individual privacy. It establishes the framework for a system of free quality public schools and preserves Montana’s hunting and fishing heritage.

I am committed to supporting and upholding the Montana Constitution in the face of unprecedented challenges so that all Montanans may enjoy the freedoms and rights accorded them.

As your elected representative, I will continue to advocate for:

  • Affordable and accessible healthcare and case management services

  • High-quality public schools and the Montana University System

  • Access to our public lands and waterways

  • Investment in workforce development