Montana’s Constitution, written in 1972, extols unique environmental protective measures. For over 50 years those aspirational constraints have received praise from outdoor enthusiasts and the working class. On the other hand, powerful ruling-class families, their indentured servants and extractive industries complain incessantly about “burdensome regulation” and obstructions to unfettered mercantilism.

Montanans are blessed with some of the most expansive rights and freedoms of any U.S. state. We have these freedoms because our Constitution was written by Montanans to serve Montanans. In 1972, 100 delegates from every corner of the state – folks elected by their communities – authored this revolutionary document. These were everyday people — ranchers, teachers, homemakers, and even a beekeeper from Lewistown.

Those who value Montana’s Constitution are concerned—terrified, actually—of what the Legislature’s supermajority (and its new Freedom Caucus) are going to try to do to it this session.