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Articles by Daniel Zolnikov
Regulators should approve the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger | Daniel Zolnikov
It may not be big news in Montana, but the proposed merger of two railroads, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, is a major deal for our nation. And Montanans could reap the benefits. kAm#:89E ?@H[ ?@ D:?8=6 C2:=C@25 42CC:6D 7C6:89E 7C@> 4@2DE E@ 4@2DE] %92E >62?D 8@@5D 36:?8 EC2?DA@CE65 24C@DD E96 4@F?ECJ 3J C2:= ?665 E@ DH:E49 92?5D 2E =62DE @?46[ 7C6BF6?E=J >@C6 E:>6D[ 2E G2C:@FD :?E6C492?86D[ 86?6C2==J :?
Guest opinion: Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger good for Montana
It may not be big news in Montana, but the proposed merger of two railroads, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, is a major deal for our nation. And Montanans could reap the benefits. Right now, no single railroad carries freight from coast to coast. That means goods being transported across the country by rail need to switch hands at least once, frequently more times, at various interchanges, generally in the middle of the country.
Restore Common Sense to SNAP Program Senators
In 2023, the United States government appropriated $1.1 trillion for 13 anti-poverty and welfare programs. This includes $134 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The origin of food stamp programs dates back to the 1930s. At that time, for every dollar of food stamps purchased (orange stamps), an extra 50 cents in blue stamps were received to purchase foods determined as “surplus” by the Department of Agriculture.
New bill will lower property taxes
Property taxes in Montana are an incredibly complex issue, but that isn’t stopping Senate Republicans from working hard to reform them this legislative session. On Jan. 22, the Senate Tax Committee heard SB 117, a bill I’m sponsoring that reforms how local governments in Montana calculate their budgets. The legislation provides a long-term solution to level out budget growth and ease the property tax burden on Montana residents and businesses. Please subscribe to continue reading… Sen.
Parents deserve right to control data collection on their kids in school | Daniel Zolnikov
The Montana Legislature has led the nation in passing data privacy bills in recent years, and we’re keeping up that momentum this legislative session. This week, the Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee heard a bill I’m sponsoring to allow parents to request the deletion of data collected on their kids in the state education system. Senate Bill 117 lets parents opt their children out of a part of the cradle-to-grave data collection system.
New Bill Will Lower Property Taxes, Stop Local Budget Inflation
Search in https://flatheadbeacon.com/ Guest Column The legislation provides a long-term solution to level out budget growth and ease the property tax burden By Daniel Zolnikov January 24, 2025 Property taxes in Montana are an incredibly complex issue, but that isn’t stopping Senate Republicans from working hard to reform them this legislative session. On Jan. 22, the Senate Tax Committee heard SB 117, a bill I’m sponsoring that reforms how local governments in Montana calculate their budgets.
Sen. Daniel Zolnikov: Montana leads the nation on digital and biometric privacy
Montana is again being recognized as a leader on protecting our citizens’ privacy in the age of technology. The Electronic Frontier Foundation recently ran an article with the headline “Montana’s New Genetic Privacy Law Caps Off Ten Years of Innovative State Privacy Protections.” EFF highlights a bill passed in the 2023 legislative session, Senate Bill 351. SB 351 gives Montanans ownership and control over our most intimate data: the data about our DNA and genetics.
Montana leads the nation on digital and biometric privacy
Montana is again being recognized as a leader on protecting our citizens’ privacy in the age of technology. The Electronic Frontier Foundation recently ran an article with the headline “Montana’s New Genetic Privacy Law Caps Off Ten Years of Innovative State Privacy Protections.” EFF highlights a bill passed in the 2023 legislative session, Senate Bill 351. SB 351 gives Montanans ownership and control over our most intimate data: the data about our DNA and genetics.
It’s time to claim your property tax rebate
The state legislature passed $384 million in property tax rebates, the first half of which is currently available to Montanans. The window to claim your rebate—up to $675 on your primary residence—is August 15, 2023 to October 1, 2023. Go to getmyrebate.mt.gov to claim your rebate. The second round of rebates will be available during the same timeframe next year, so mark your calendar.
It’s time to claim your property tax rebate
The state Legislature passed $384 million in property tax rebates, the first half of which is currently available to Montanans. The window to claim your rebate—up to $675 on your primary residence—is August 15, 2023 to October 1, 2023. Go to getmyrebate.mt.gov to claim your rebate. The second round of rebates will be available during the same timeframe next year, so mark your calendar.
It’s Time to Claim Your Property Tax Rebate
Guest Column All told, the Legislature passed more than $500 million in property tax relief over the next five years By Daniel Zolnikov August 14, 2023 The state legislature passed $384 million in property tax rebates, the first half of which is currently available to Montanans. The window to claim your rebate—up to $675 on your primary residence—is August 15, 2023 to October 1, 2023. Go to getmyrebate.mt.gov to claim your rebate.
Is the FCC understating the scope of the rural broadband gap?
Policymakers at the state and federal levels have been working for years to improve access to broadband quality across the country. It’s a difficult problem, especially in states with predominately rural populations.
Washington, Oregon share Montana obligations
Under President Trump we have seen a sudden resurgence of federalism on the left in American politics as liberal states like California seek to go their own way on issues like the Paris Climate Accord and sanctuary cities. But sometimes these states’ attempt to set policy within their own borders has a very real negative impact on neighboring states.
Guest opinion: Washington, Oregon should support Montana coal industry
Under President Trump we have seen a sudden resurgence of federalism on the left in American politics as liberal states like California seek to go their own way on issues like the Paris Climate Accord and sanctuary cities. But sometimes these states’ attempt to set policy within their own borders has a very real negative impact on neighboring states.
Other states must join our environmental efforts
Under President Trump we have seen a sudden resurgence of federalism on the left in American politics as liberal states like California seek to go their own way on issues like the Paris Climate Accord and sanctuary cities. But sometimes these states’ attempt to set policy within their own borders has a very real negative impact on neighboring states.
As technology advances, we must protect freedom of the press in legislation
Americans once relied on the press for fair reporting and government transparency. With the election of President Trump, we have witnessed America’s mainstream media transition from guardians of truth to puppets of partisan politics. Yet the importance of the freedom of the press remains. The freedom of the press is a constitutionally mandated right that is a foundational piece of our democracy.
Millennials Need To Take Ownership Of Their Online Footprint
I am a member of the Facebook generation. That is to say, that for the past 13 years, I have relied on the social media platform to keep me connected. I registered for Facebook during my senior year of high school in 2005. At that time, Facebook only accepted email addresses associated with a college or university domain, as the platform was only available to college age students. Since then, Facebook has dramatically expanded and it has become one of the largest social media platforms in the world.
FCC policy limits opportunities for rural broadband
The benefits promised by technology have always lagged a bit behind in rural America. While most urban areas have a profusion of choices for broadband access, people in many parts of Montana are lucky if they have even a single option for high-speed internet.It doesn’t have to be this way — the technology exists that would open up new opportunities to rural Americans who now have limited broadband access. But as often happens, technology moves at a much faster pace than regulators.
Guest opinion: Montana reasons to cheer Uber debut
Uber is finally in Montana. The app-based technology company connects people who need rides with certified, insured drivers with just a few taps on a smartphone, usually at a lower cost than typical taxis.In 2015, Montana's Legislature passed a law allowing ride-sharing services to compete in Big Sky Country.
Montana Alcohol Immunity Law Being Utilized
We are reaching the time of year when prom, high school graduation, college graduation and summer vacations are upon us. These can be some of the most enjoyable experiences in a young person’s life, but these experiences can also lead to minors experimenting with alcohol and other substances. A lack of experience, social pressures and experimentation can put underage drinkers in some very dangerous medical situations that can become life threatening.
Privacy is prerequisite for free society
Montanans have always cherished independence and individual rights. The Fourth Amendment’s provisions against unreasonable searches and seizures have protected our due process and private property rights for hundreds of years, and prohibited warrantless invasions of our privacy. Unfortunately, these rights have been eroded in the digital age.
Ericsson cuts 2,200 jobs in Sweden
STOCKHOLM (AP) — Wireless equipment maker Ericsson says it will cut 2,200 jobs in Sweden as part of a 9 billion kronor ($1.1 billion) savings package. The Stockholm-based company said the layoffs would mostly affect research and development and supply positions.
Guest opinion: Protect privacy in electronic communications
Montanans have always cherished independence and individual rights. The Fourth Amendment’s provisions against unreasonable searches and seizures have protected our due process and private property rights for hundreds of years, and prohibited warrantless invasions of our privacy. Unfortunately, these rights have been eroded in the digital age.
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