Tester Campaign Rolls Out Students for Tester
Names Co-Chairs to Student-Led Group in Support of Jon Tester
Missoula—Today, farmer and United States Senator Jon Tester launched Students For Tester, a group led by students from across Montana who are young trailblazers in their communities and stand up for our Montana way of life.
Tester was joined by the Students for Tester Co-Chairs in Missoula today for a discussion about issues that matter to young Montanans. A Facebook Live video can be found HERE.
“As a product of the Montana public education system and a former teacher, I couldn’t be prouder to stand with Montana students and have their support,” Tester said. “Our economy, our communities, and our democracy are all better when education is affordable and within reach for all Montanans. These students are leaders who give our state a bright future. ”
Tester has been a relentless advocate for Montana students in the Senate.
His record of fighting for students includes defending them from predatory loan practices, simplifying the financial aid process, and expanding educational opportunities for veterans. Jon has also been a strong supporter of vocational and work training programs.
Jon recently went to bat for students when Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos tried to reject University of Montana’s TRiO application simply because it was double spaced. Following Tester’s relentless advocacy, Secretary DeVos agreed to reverse her decision.
Students for Tester Co-Chairs
Katy Lindberg: Katy Lindberg grew up in Belgrade, where she attended Belgrade High School, participated on the school’s policy debate team, and fell in love with politics and public policy. This passion was further developed at the University of Montana, where Katy is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. After graduating this May, Katy will be attending the University of Montana Law School, and hopes to practice law in Montana following the completion of her J.D.
Richard Ada Wagner: Richard Wagner, is a fourth-year student at Montana State University in Bozeman pursuing joint degrees in Political Science and German language studies. As a first-generation German-American student, Richard is seeking two degrees simultaneously in order to pursue his interests in politics and mastering the German language. Richard hopes to pursue a career in the public sector and is interested in sustainable energy, human and civil rights, national security, and economic development.
Cody McCracken: Cody was born and raised in the small town of Chinook, Montana where he attended Chinook High School, home of the Sugarbeeters. After graduating high school, he attended MSU-Billings to pursue a degree in political science. Since then Cody has been heavily involved in politics, working to get Democrats elected in numerous elections. He co-founded the MSU-B College Democrats and the Montana College Democrats, and he is currently president of both clubs.
Lillian Alvernez: Winchaxbi Wakan Wiya Ki Um Hawi (Sacred Star Woman Who Sits by the Moon) is an enrolled member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate and traditional Assiniboine. Lillian works toward combating violence against Native American women and children through holding offenders accountable and navigating the jurisdictional maze victims and survivors are subject to. To do this, she is pursuing an Indian Law Certificate along with her Juris Doctor and joint Master of Public Administration to fill the gaps the marriage of law and policy leave in Indian country. Last summer, Lillian spent her time working for the United States District Court, District of Montana, Great Falls Division, under the Honorable Brian Morris. Lillian was also a 2017 Ms. JD Fellow. She is the second oldest of five children and is honored to be the namesake of her maternal grandmother.
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