REAL Montana Class V learns about state government in Helena January 19-21

Press release

Havre resident Katie Kuhr just returned from Helena as part of REAL Montana - Resource Education and Agriculture Leadership. For Kuhr and other members of REAL Montana Class V, this was the third seminar in their two-year educational program.

The focus of the seminar was state government and the legislative process. While in Helena, the class toured the Capitol building, learned how a bill becomes a law, and attended committee hearings. Seminar speakers included Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras, leaders in the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Revenue, Department of Livestock, and state legislators. The class also learned about cooperation and collaboration among competing interests, discussed state water issues, and prepared for their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., with a Farm Bill panel. A skill building session included training on how to provide testimony in a legislative hearing. A highlight of the seminar was a networking reception in the Capitol rotunda attended by legislators, program sponsors, and industry leaders.

"This session was a great opportunity to network with local legislators and will be a great primer for our upcoming federal government seminar in Washington, D.C.," Kuhr said.

Twenty of Montana's top natural resource industry leaders from across the state were competitively selected to take part in REAL Montana Class V. The program's mission is to build a network of informed and engaged leaders to advance the natural resource industries in Montana. The two-year leadership program features eight in-state seminars; a five-day national study tour in Washington D.C .; and a 10-day international trip. Seminars include training in natural resource development, agriculture institutions and agencies, public speaking/media, economics, state and federal policy, international trade, urban/rural relationships, water issues, and other current industry topics.

REAL Montana is funded through a partnership with Montana State University Extension and private industry. Oversight is provided by an advisory board of industry leaders.

Complete program information is available at https://www.montana.edu/realmontana .