Montana’s Working Families Support Jon Tester for Senate

Billings—Today, farmer and United States Senator Jon Tester launched Working Families for Tester, a group of working folks and their families from across the state who support Jon for his strong record of fighting on behalf of working Montanans in the Senate.

Tester has fought to improve the lives of working families in Montana, from pushing to keep health care affordable and accessible, to investing in education and giving school districts more local control, to creating good-paying jobs across the state in industries like Montana’s outdoor economy.

“No hard-working Montana family ever should need to worry about if their next paycheck will be enough to cover groceries, or if they can afford to take their kids to the dentist,” Tester said. “Whether you live in one of Montana’s Big Seven cities or in rural Montana, I will always fight to make sure that Montana’s working families are supported and advocated for in the Senate.”

Working Families for Tester is led by working-class folks across Montana who support Jon’s mission to fight for affordable health care, invest in education, and create well-paying jobs across Montana.

Working Families for Tester Co-Chairs

Anna Doran: Anna grew up in Missoula, graduated with honors from University of Portland with a degree in history, and earned her master’s degree in education at Willamette University. After teaching in the public school system for nearly 10 years, Anna opened the first Big Dipper Ice Cream franchise on Helena’s Historic Walking Mall in 2010. Anna was named the Independent Record Business Woman of the Year in 2013. She and her spouse, John, have two children, Ellie and Finn.

Mario Martinez: Mario Martinez is a Montana native and lives in Great Falls. He is one of the many leaders engaged in the Montana labor movement. Mario represents hard working families across Big Sky Country.

The Thaden Family: Bob, Josh and Marilyn Thaden run the Tongue River Winery in Miles City. Marilyn, the Tasting Room Manager, works part-time as a speech pathologist. Josh is the Lead Winemaker. Bob is the Vineyard Manager and Business Manager, and serves as a part-time pastor at the local UCC church. When they’re not in the vineyard, Bob and Marilyn volunteer their time with various charitable groups in the Miles City area.

Anna Volkersz: Anna was born and raised in Manhattan, Montana. She grew up working on a cattle ranch, graduated with an associate’s degree, and works as a caregiver. She is the mother to two girls and a SEIU 775 member.

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