While the ads would have us believe that the only issue that matters in the Montana Senate race is the southern border, I think that Montanans are concerned about a much wider range of issues. As a scientist, one of the many reasons I support Jon Tester is because of his strong support for science and innovation.
Tester consistently supports funding for national science agencies. In turn, these institutions award the Montana University System and local small businesses over $250 million annually in the form of research grants. Grant-funded research provides stipends for graduate students, faculty, and staff, and supports research projects focused on things that directly affect Montanans, such as new vaccines and treatments for diseases, the changing climate, innovative agriculture, water and air quality, and wildfire and smoke risk. These institutions also fund STEM education in K-12 schools and universities.
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In addition to broad support for science, in the last two years Tester has sponsored and supported legislation including the CHIPS and Science Act, bringing semiconductor chip manufacturing back to the USA, providing jobs and security for other industries; $10.8 million for rural broadband expansion; the Mining Schools Act of 2023, which would strengthen mining education; and S.5052, which would prohibit importing critical metals from Russia. He secured Montana as a Rural Tech Hub, opening the door for millions in private and government investments. Tester is a champion for science and innovation, dedicated to Montana issues. I hope he can continue to serve this great state.
