The Populist Agenda In Action

What's going on in Montana is truly amazing. The state has its first populist governor in a long time - and the agenda moving through the legislature is setting a standard for other populist reformers throughout the country. Just look at what's going on - it is a model for others:

REDUCING CORPORATE INFLUENCE ON GOVERNMENT: Bills are being pushed to remove the influence of corporate lobbyists on government.

CRACKING DOWN ON WEALTHY TAX CHEATS SO NO TAX INCREASES ARE NEEDED: Bills are being pushed to crack down on wealthy and corporate tax cheats, so that Democrats can figh any tax increases on average citizens.

FORCING THE DRUG INDUSTRY TO START BEING ACCOUNTABLE: Bills are moving through the legislature to force drug companies to start disclosing how much money they are spending to corrupt medical decisions.

REDUCING DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL: Bills are moving through the legislature to build a renewable wind/ethanol energy industry, so as to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, while building Montana's economy.

HELPING MAKE COLLEGE AFFORDABLE FOR EVERYONE - NOT JUST THE WEALTHY: Bills are on their way to passage that would provide new college scholarships to hard-working students that are in financial need.

This is not just me personally liking Gov. Schweitzer - this is very real, very serious progress in building a populist agenda, coming from a conservative Democratic governor and his legislative allies in a red-state. I hope other states take heed - and replicate it.