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Jan 16, 2025 | 
dailyinterlake.com | Courtenay Sprunger
For many Montanans, the legislative process can feel confusing and opaque. With more than 4,000 bill titles in drafting, even the legal beagles find it daunting. The goal of this column is to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Montana Legislature — highlighting key happenings, contributors and bills shaping the Montana House of Representatives.
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Jan 13, 2025 | 
flatheadbeacon.com | Courtenay Sprunger
Two weeks ago, a friend relayed a life-changing lesson he learned in high school. Entering his third-period history class, he encountered a mess – books strewn across the floor, desks overturned, papers everywhere. Their teacher, let’s call him Mr. Moses, sat in his office, head down, busily grading papers. Befuddled, the kids waited for an explanation. Finally, Mr. Moses sprang to life, kicking books and papers around as the students looked on, stunned. This was it, they murmured.
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May 23, 2024 | 
leaderadvertiser.com | Jason Ellsworth |Greg Hertz |Amy Regier |Braxton D. Mitchell |Courtenay Sprunger |Tony Brockman | +4 more
The following was submitted as formal public comment to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks:As Republican legislators representing Northwest Montana and the western edge of our state, we write to express our full support for the Montana Great Outdoors Project.
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Mar 13, 2024 | 
flatheadbeacon.com | Courtenay Sprunger |Kellyn Brown
Letter For me, Cory Swanson is the best choice for Chief Justice By Courtenay Sprunger March 13, 2024 In Montana, we have the opportunity to vote for Justices in hopes of electing a fair and impartial State Supreme Court; At least, that’s the intention. The challenge is that many Montanans don’t have enough information about who is running because so much attention is being placed on the Senate and Congressional races.
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May 22, 2023 | 
flatheadbeacon.com | Dave Fern |Courtenay Sprunger |Kellyn Brown
One of us is a member of an elected endangered political species in northwest Montana and the other, the supermajority party. While we differ in areas, the two of us strongly believe in supporting legislation that can improve the lives of all Flathead County residents. In discussions with you, our constituents, it is common to hear sentiments that the political gulf between the two parties is too wide to bridge. In some cases, this may be true.
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May 21, 2023 | 
dailyinterlake.com | Dave Fern |Courtenay Sprunger
One of us is a member of an elected endangered political species in Northwest Montana and the other, the supermajority party. While we differ in areas, the two of us strongly believe in supporting legislation that can improve the lives of all Flathead County residents. In discussions with you, our constituents, it is common to hear sentiments that the political gulf between the two parties is too wide to bridge. In some cases, this may be true.
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Mar 28, 2023 | 
dailyinterlake.com | Courtenay Sprunger
Last year during campaign season, many opened their door and took time to share their priorities for our community with me – most touched on infrastructure, housing, education and safety. It’s gratifying to share that input was integral in shaping much of the legislation I’m carrying in the 68th session. Given the collaborative nature and impact of these bills, a mid-session progress report seems appropriate.
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Mar 9, 2023 | 
dailyinterlake.com | Courtenay Sprunger
Growing up, team sports was a way of life for our family and one that garnered many valuable lifetime lessons. That’s why opening the sports section and reading about the Flathead Bravettes’ heart-stopping win of the Western AA title brought tears to my eyes this week.
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Feb 21, 2023 | 
dailyinterlake.com | Courtenay Sprunger
If you attended Flathead High between 1967 and 1996, you may have taken Outdoor Literature from Mr. Burt. Mr. Burt, or Dad, as I called him, taught high school English for 30 years. While he enthusiastically led rigorous Senior Honors English and Sophomore English courses, Mr. Burt understood not every student had interest in the classic canon. It would take innovation to garner the attention of kids who far preferred trekking the “Bob” to classroom learning. Enter, Outdoor Literature.
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Feb 3, 2023 | 
dailyinterlake.com | Courtenay Sprunger
Jan. 27 was likely the most significant day to date of the 68th Montana Legislative session. Late in the afternoon, the House Appropriations passed a package of six tax bills, which comprise a substantial portion of Gov. Greg Gianforte’s and the Republican majority’s plan to return $1 billion of the surplus to taxpayers.
