Jon Tester, U.S. Senator

Big Sandy Farmer Drives Truck Across the State to Listen to Montanans

Montana Senate President Jon Tester, a third-generation family farmer from Big Sandy, announced his candidacy for the United States Senate today.

Starting from his farm in Big Sandy, Tester drove his tractor-trailer rig to Havre and then Billings to kick off his statewide announcement tour and to listen to Montanans.

“I’ll roll up my sleeves and work hard for Montana’s working families, just like my parents and grandparents taught me,� Tester said. “Montanans want leaders who work together and use common sense. And Montana families are stronger when they have good-paying jobs, quality public schools, and more affordable, accessible health care.�

Tester said that as a farmer and businessman from small-town Montana he understands the importance of working together, neighbor to neighbor, to get the job done.

“I’m working for the working people of Montana, for Main Street Montana, for those families who work hard and want their kids and grandkids to live, work and raise their families here,� Tester said. “My track record as a citizen-legislator demonstrates my deep commitment to moving Montana forward.�

• This year Tester passed a bill to create a comprehensive prescription drug benefit program for Montana’s seniors, disabled, and the uninsured.

• Tester passed legislation to help create jobs and strengthen Montana’s economy by reinstating the “Made in Montana� program.

• Tester passed legislation encouraging renewable energy development to bring jobs to rural Montana and help lower energy rates for consumers across the state.

• Tester successfully guided passage of legislation that led to an historic increase in funding for public schools in Montana, including funding for Indian Education for All Montana programs for the first time in history.

“Jon Tester’s the real deal, and he gets things done for Montana,� said state Representative Monica Lindeen of Huntley. “Montanans have a great opportunity to send a family farmer and proven leader to the U.S. Senate.�

Tester will drive his truck around the state this week to listen to Montanans. Tester will stop in Havre, Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Helena, Missoula, Great Falls and Montana towns in between.

Posted on Tuesday, May 24th, 2005 at 10:08 pm.