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Senate committee hears bill to reserve Native American and veteran seats on Montana Board of Housing
Summary
Senators and witnesses discussed SB 219, which would reserve a seat for a Native American and a seat for a veteran on the Montana Board of Housing. Proponents and the Board's executive director described housing disparities, outreach efforts and logistical constraints such as membership expertise and quorum requirements.
HelD in the Senate Business, Labor, and Economic Affairs Committee on Thursday, lawmakers heard testimony on Senate Bill 219, which would reserve one seat for a Native American and one seat for a veteran on the Montana Board of Housing.
Sen. Susan Webber, the bill sponsor, told the committee SB 219 is "requesting a seat at the table for a Native American and a veteran on the board of housing," arguing the change would give those groups a voice when the board sets housing policy and allocates resources. Webber cited homelessness among veterans and said existing programs are not reaching all communities.
The bill’s proponents told the committee those seats matter for both representation and policy design. Lats Forstar submitted a letter from the Montana American Caucus and described work with veterans on suicide-prevention programs. "We stand up for each and every one of you," Forstar said when urging…
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