Welcome! Here are the topics for today’s common-sense commentary: 

• Montana Legislature
• School Elections
• NFL Draft
• One More Thing

MONTANA LEGISLATURE:

Tuesday was day 79 of this session of the Montana Legislature. If you are like me, you probably wish the circus was over.  

One of the good things that happened is a bill was passed that gives harsher penalties for deadly Driving Under the Influence (DUI) crashes in Montana. 

MTN News reports that on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the Montana Legislature passed House Bill 267 – also known as “Bobby’s Law” – which strengthens the punishment for DUIs that result in a death. The bill memorializes Bobby Dewbre, who was celebrating his 21st birthday in March 2023 when he was hit and killed by a drunk driver outside Columbia Falls.

In other legislative news, State Sen. Josh Kassmier, State Sen. Gayle Lammers, and State Sen. Gregg Hunter (all Republicans) penned an opinion piece about the Republican implosion in the state senate and reminded fellow Republicans of former President Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment, that Republicans “shalt not speak ill of another Republican.”

The MAGA Republicans in the state legislature are pretty pissed at the moderate Republicans and want to primary them in their next election. The MAGAs want everything their way. I think the leadership in the legislature, especially in the state Senate, is lacking. This has added to the circus atmosphere.

SCHOOL ELECTIONS:

On Tuesday, I received my ballot for the school election. The election is on Tuesday, May 6. (Info)

Is this a great country or what? 

Over at “What the Funk 406” blog, they have posted recommendations from current school trustee Bill Bronson. For what it is worth, his picks are incumbents Gordon Johnson and Paige Turoski. He also likes newcomer Craig Duff. (Source)

There is a candidate forum TONIGHT. Here is the information:

A Great Falls Public Schools Board of Trustees candidate forum, sponsored by Great Falls Rising, will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Great Falls College MSU, Room B101.  Four candidates have filed for three open seats, representing both the elementary and secondary districts, for terms of three years.  The candidates who have filed are Craig Duff, Gordon Johnson, Tony Rosales, and Paige Turoski. (Source)   

NFL DRAFT:

The 2025 NFL draft is April 24-26, which is this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It is being held in Green Bay, Wisconsin. 

The Tennessee Titans have the first pick, with the Browns, Giants, Patriots, and Jaguars rounding out the first five. 

My Chiefs pick #31. The Chiefs need help at left tackle to protect Patrick Mahomes. I hope they draft at least two offensive linemen, someone like Will Campbell, Armoud Membou, or Josh Simmons. (Background)

ESPN, ABC, and the NFL Network will televise/stream the event. See the draft coverage from ESPN HERE and the NFL Network HERE. 

ONE MORE THING: 

FUN FACT: If you refill a wine glass before it’s empty, it still counts as one glass. 

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