Rep. Cora Neumann talks investing in our communities, health and economy
Cora Neumann EBS CONTRIBUTOR
Montana has always been a state of independence and resilience. We take care of our own, solve problems head-on, and believe in policies that make a real difference in people’s lives. But as we look at the challenges facing our communities—from skyrocketing housing costs to a mental health crisis—it’s clear that we need bold, pragmatic leadership that prioritizes Montanans over partisan gridlock. That’s exactly what I’ve been fighting for in the State Senate.
I was raised in Bozeman, in a hardworking family that taught me the value of community and perseverance. My mom was a homemaker, and my stepdad was a union carpenter—two people who worked tirelessly to build a future for us. Like many Montanans, I worked my way through school, taking on jobs as a waitress, nanny, and construction worker. I know what it’s like to juggle bills, work long hours, and worry about access to healthcare. Those experiences shaped my commitment to public service and my deep belief that government should work for the people, not against them.
I am proud to represent Big Sky and southern Gallatin County in the State Senate. This is a region that works hard, gives back, and takes care of its own. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to fight for policies that ensure our communities get the resources they deserve.
This session, I took a trip to West Yellowstone to hear directly from law enforcement, firefighters, park rangers and dispatchers about the challenges they face every day. Their stories made it clear: we need real solutions to support our first responders, not political talking points. That’s why I fought to ensure Senate Bill 394, my PTSD coverage bill, was crafted with their needs in mind. First responders across Montana put their lives on the line for us every day. We owe them more than just gratitude—we owe them action.
Keeping Montana’s economy local
Montana’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our economy, but they face rising costs and stiff competition from out-of-state producers. That’s why I sponsored Senate Bill 246, which strengthens local food procurement by requiring state agencies to track how much Montana-grown food they purchase. By making this information transparent, we can push for smarter policies that prioritize Montana farmers and shorten supply chains, ensuring fresher, healthier food in our schools and public institutions.
Similarly, House Bill 649, currently in committee, would invest $3 million in connecting Montana farmers with food banks, making sure locally grown food reaches families in need while supporting our agricultural economy. These are common-sense investments that boost local businesses and strengthen our communities.
Another critical bill for Big Sky is Senate Bill 260, which I co-sponsor. SB 260 ensures that communities like Big Sky, which work hard to generate revenue, have access to the very resources they fund. The bill allows property owners to petition for changes to service district boundaries, particularly when geographic barriers limit access to public services. It also outlines procedures for public hearings, elections, and notifications—ensuring that local voices are heard. This legislation is about fairness and making sure that the people of Big Sky receive the services they contribute to funding.
Strengthening healthcare and saving lives
Health care should never be a privilege—it’s a necessity. That’s why I fought to pass Senate Bill 211, which allows schools to stock epinephrine nasal sprays for children with severe allergies. Anaphylaxis can be fatal in minutes, and this bill ensures that teachers and school nurses have a fast, easy-to-administer option to save lives.
Montana is also facing a devastating opioid crisis. In 2022 alone, we lost 208 Montanans to overdoses, with fentanyl playing a major role. That’s why I introduced and am proud to have passed Senate Bill 503, which allows the use of expired naloxone, a life-saving opioid reversal drug that remains over 90% effective even after its expiration date. By expanding access to naloxone, we can prevent unnecessary deaths and give more people a fighting chance at recovery. This bill makes sense, particularly in rural areas where supply chains can be unpredictable, and access to life-saving medication is often limited.
Supporting Montana families and workforce
Mothers and babies deserve the best start possible, but access to maternity care is increasingly out of reach for rural Montanans. My Senate Bill 319, which has also passed its second reading, expands Medicaid coverage for doula services. Doulas have been proven to reduce C-section rates, preterm births, and postpartum depression while improving maternal and infant health outcomes. By investing in this critical support, we can reduce health disparities and make childbirth safer and more affordable for Montana families.
At the same time, we need to ensure that our nurses and hospital staff aren’t stretched beyond their limits. Senate Bill 372, which would have established safe staffing standards for nurses, was unfortunately tabled in committee. But I’m not giving up. Montana’s healthcare workers deserve protections that ensure patient safety and prevent burnout. When hospitals run on dangerously low staffing levels, it’s not just nurses who suffer—it’s every patient they care for.
Addressing Montana’s housing crisis
Affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. Rents have increased by nearly 40% since 2019, and homelessness has risen by almost 14%. While my Senate Bill 504, which would have created a permanent supportive housing program, was tabled, we must continue fighting for solutions that make housing affordable for working families, seniors, and veterans.
Investing in permanent supportive housing isn’t just compassionate—it’s cost-effective. States that have adopted similar programs have seen dramatic reductions in ER visits, jail stays, and overall public spending on homelessness-related services. Local initiatives like Bozeman’s Housing First Village have already proven that supportive housing reduces emergency room visits by 50% and helps stabilize people experiencing chronic homelessness. If we want to solve Montana’s housing crisis, we must invest in long-term solutions that work.
The path forward
These aren’t Democratic or Republican issues—they’re Montana issues. I ran for office because I believe in bringing people together to solve problems, and I’ve worked across the aisle to make real progress on issues that matter. National politics may feel more divided than ever, but here in Montana, we still have the power to work together, find common ground, and build a future that benefits us all.
If we want a future where Montana families can afford to live, work, and thrive, we need to invest in local businesses, protect our most vulnerable, and ensure every Montanan has access to quality healthcare and housing. That’s the fight I’m in, and I won’t stop until we get it done.
Montana’s future is ours to build—let’s make sure we build it right. By working together, standing firm on policies that matter, and refusing to back down in the face of challenges, we can create a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Montana for generations to come.
Cora Neumann is a representative of district 30 in the Montana State Senate, which covers Four Corners, Gallatin Gateway, Big Sky and West Yellowstone.
