Joe Hancock was raised outside Big Timber by his ranch-hand father. He joined the U.S. Air Force at nineteen and served honorably for over five years.
After being discharged in 2008, Joe moved to Gallatin County to attend college.
He received a Bachelor's degree in Construction Engineering Technology and later earned a second degree in Political Science while working full time in the hotel industry.
Joe continues to work for the public, now as a staffer for Montana State University. He is also active in his union, MFPE Local 8521, and as a member of American Legion Post #30.
After years of experiencing the changes that have come to the state, Joe is ready to apply the many lessons he’s learned from childhood, the military, college, and beyond to make a difference for everyday Montanans.
The Issues
Working families are being overtaxed by the state.
Legislators are always promising to cut taxes in Montana, but when the time finally comes, all of the savings go to the super wealthy. It is long past time to pass tax relief for Montanans who actually need the money to pay their bills.
Housing costs in the state are out of control.
Rent keeps climbing, and it’s already so high that people can’t afford to live where they work. With rising interest rates and Republicans passing a giant leap in property tax rates, the American dream of owning a home is becoming a delusion. Communities are suffering because local families can’t afford to stay in their neighborhoods.
All Montanans deserve access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.
People in Montana are hard workers. They can’t be missing extended time due to injury or illness, and no one should be forced to risk their health to sustain their livelihood. Workers are the economy, and if one isn’t healthy, the other won’t be either.
Small businesses are the bedrock of the local community.
Chain retailers and restaurants are very popular, but most eating and shopping is done in locally owned establishments. These businesses are reliable employers that give towns character, but their profits are constantly being squeezed out by corporations and taxes.
Schools in Montana are understaffed and teachers are underpaid.
Educating Montana’s children is the first step toward providing them with the right tools for building a good life. The leaders in their classrooms need to be properly qualified and paid accordingly.
Montana’s public lands and waterways need to be protected.
The best part of Montana is the great outdoors, but urban sprawl, droughts, and fires are making the wilderness harder to enjoy every year. Better conservation efforts are critical to curbing this trend so future generations will still have a nature to experience.
News on the Issues
Population booms are overwhelming schools in Montana - The Washington Post
This report details the stresses rapid migration into the state has placed on our schools and housing availability.
Montana schools moving to classes four days a week to attract teachers - KTVQ
Teacher pay in Montana has become such a crisis that schools are resorting to limiting student access to education as a solution.
In rural America, patients are waiting for care — sometimes with deadly consequences - NPR
Hospitals in this region are few and far between for substantial medical care, and lives are being lost.
Anaconda Driver Services Office to close late January - NBC Montana
Government services are being slashed for rural Montanans, passing the cost of access directly onto the hardest workers in the state.
Politics And America's Loneliness Epidemic
This is just an episode of the NPR Politics Podcast on the crumbling social infrastructure in America, featuring a question from Joe.
Joe’s Letters to the Editor
Overcoming pandemic will require strong leadership
With election over, Bullock must address COVID-19
Contacting Joe
Let’s build a bright future for Montana together. Reach out to talk about the issues or if you want to become directly involved through volunteering.
joehancock@gijoeformontana.com
(406) 461-8504
PO Box 10372
Bozeman, MT 59719