In Montana, Republicans control the state house 49-50. Despite this, Democratic State Rep. Julie French -- from Scobey -- has authored and passed 3 key bills to help working families in her state.

She is working for military families by sponsoring HB 179, the “Montana Military Family Relief Fund.” The bill provides emergency grants of $250 to $2,000 to families of members of Montana’s National Guard and Reserves. As many of you know, Montana only holds regular sessions during odd-numbered years. Rep. French’s bill was signed by Gov. Schweitzer on April 28, 2007 -- at the end of Montana’s last regular session. For the full text of HB 179 click here.

French has helped to make it easier for families to adopt a child through her authorship of HB 490, which allows individuals to take an income tax credit for the adoption of an eligible child. This bill was also signed by the governor on April 28, 2007. For the full text of HB 490, click here.

Finally, French authored and passed HJ 47 to keep Montana families healthy. This bill calls for a study to determine how Montana can maintain its highly respected statewide genetics program. Among other crucial services in the diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders, the program helps women manage high-risk pregnancies. This bill was filed with the Secretary of State on May 4, 2007.

Rep. French provides an inspiring example of the fact that -- despite being in a Republican-controlled chamber -- energetic, young Democratic legislators can still achieve great policy successes for working families.