Jade Bahr

Jade Bahr (born December 28, 1988) is a Democratic Party politician and was a member Montana House of Representatives from District 50 who has served between 2019 and 2021.[2][3] She was one of only two Native American women to serve on the Montana Legislature.[4]

Jade Bahr
Member of the Montana House of Representatives
from the 50th district
In office
2019 [1] – 2021
Personal details
Born (1988-12-28) December 28, 1988
Crow Agency, MT
Political partyDemocratic Party
Alma materUniversity of Montana

Early life and education

Bahr was born in Crow Agency, MT which lies on the Apsáalooke Reservation. She is an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe.[5] At age 3 she moved with her mother and brother, to Billings, MT. [6] She was raised in Billings and graduated from Billings Senior high, but spent her summers living on the Crow Reservation with her grandparents. [7]

After high school Bahr earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Inequalities and Social Justice from the University of Montana at Missoula.[2]

Career

She began her interest in social services 10 years ago after working as a receptionist at a foster-care network for Native American youth. She continued to work for programs targeted toward at-risk youth at organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, New Day Youth Group home and Day Treatment, and also Missoula Parks and Recreation summer camps & after-school programs.

She also worked as a mental health support worker for the Urban Indian Health and Wellness Center. She has worked for the last five years with adults with disabilities in supported living and supported employment services as a vocational specialist and community coordinator.[8]

Political career

Bahr is the first legislator known to be a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.[9][10] She was endorsed by them as well as the AFL-CIO and the Montana Conservation Voters, Carol's List and others.[5]

Representative Bahr's committee assignments for the 2019-20 legislative session include: Human Services, Legislative Administration, and State Administration.[11]

Bahr lost re-election to Mallerie Stromswold in the 2021 general election.[12]

Electoral history
Montana House of Representatives District 50 General Election, 2018
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jade Bahr 1,778 53.8
Republican Quentin Eggart 1,437 40.8
Libertarian Nathan McKenty 190 5.4
Montana House of Representatives District 50 Democratic Primary Election, 2018
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jade Bahr 622 68.2
Democratic Joshua Bradshaw 290 31.8

Legislative priorities for 2019 session

Representative Bahr entered her first state legislative session with priorities in K-12 Education, Social Justice, Tribal State Issues and Relations, Mental Health/Substance Abuse & Addiction, Fair Taxation, and Workers' Rights.

2019 session bills[13]

Representative Bahr has carried bills:

  • HB 466: Fund a Native American language and culture online course through the MT Digital Academy.
  • HB 632: To require economic impact reports for reservations. (passed)[4]
  • HB 468: To require state agencies to coordinate for disability integrated employment programs.
  • HB 498: Allow probationers and parolees to use medical marijuana. (passed)[14]
  • HB 748: Establish the Minnie Spotted-Wolf memorial highway. (passed)[4]

See also
  • List of Democratic Socialists of America who have held office in the United States

References
  1. "Jade Bahr". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  2. "The Voter's Self Defense System". Vote Smart. Retrieved 2020-10-15.
  3. "Jade Bahr - Legislator Details". Montana State Legislature. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  4. "It's Time to Fight Back! Defend Jade Bahr from Attacks!". The Montana Post. 2019-04-23. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
  5. "Jade Bahr: Progressive Montana Indigenous Woman's Voice Running For Office". The Real News Network. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
  6. "The Voter's Self Defense System". Vote Smart. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
  7. "Western Native Voice Community Spotlight: Jade Bahr & Barbara Bessette | WORC". www.worc.org. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
  8. "Jade Bahr, HD 50, Democrat". The Billings Gazette. Retrieved 2020-10-15.
  9. Kordenbrock, Mike. "Billings' very own Pride parade draws diverse group of community members for celebration". The Billings Gazette. Retrieved 2020-10-15.
  10. Oot, Torey Van. "The Reds Are Coming—& They're Young, Female, & Determined To Win America's Heartland". www.refinery29.com. Retrieved 2020-10-15.
  11. "Jade Bahr". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
  12. "Jade Bahr". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2021-01-08.
  13. "Jade Bahr | Tracking the 2019 Legislature". apps.montanafreepress.org. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
  14. Press, AMY BETH HANSON Associated. "Montana House passes measure on medical pot for probationers". Montana Standard. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
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