Season 11 Archived Episodes (2002 - 2003)

Special Legislative Session 2002 (No. 1101)

Legislative leaders look back at the two-week special session held in August that resulted in millions of dollars in spending cuts to keep the state's books balanced through June 30th of next year. Produced by Gene Brodeur for KUSM-Montana PBS, MSU-Bozeman, (406) 994-3437. (First Aired Thursday, September 19, 2002)

Ir-117: Roll Back Deregulation? (No. 1102)

Representative Chris Harris (D-Bozeman), who co-sponsored the initiative drive to roll back deregulation of electrical energy, and Senator Fred Thomas (R-Stevensville), who carried the deregulation measure HB-474, join Gene Brodeur for a discussion about the controversial measure. Produced by Gene Brodeur for KUSM-Montana PBS, MSU-Bozeman, (406) 994-3437. (First Aired Thursday, October 10, 2002)

I-145: The Buy Back The Dams Initiative (No. 1103)

I-145 calls for the creation of an elected public power commission to buy back the state's hydroelectric dams and operate them for the benefit of Montanans. Representative Roy Brown (R-Billings), a member of the opposition group "Dam Risky Business," and Senator Ken Toole (D-Helena), who proposed the "Buy Back the Dams" initiative, join Gene Brodeur for a discussion about I-145. Produced by Gene Brodeur for KUSM-Montana PBS, MSU-Bozeman, (406) 994-3437. (First Aired Thursday, October 24, 2002)

2002 Election: A Look Back (No. 1104)

Montanans decided who will represent them at the Congressional and State legislative levels, and voted on two initiatives aimed at dismantling deregulation. Leading journalists look back on the November 5th results. Produced by Gene Brodeur for KUSM-TV/Montana PBS, MSU-Bozeman. (First Aired Thursday, November 07, 2002)

Tax Reform: Will It Fly? (No. 1105)

An advisory council appointed by Governor Martz is recommending an income tax cut of more than $45 million next year. Gene Brodeur visits with members of the Governor's Income Tax Advisory Council about the proposal and its chances of passing muster during the 2003 Legislative Session. Produced by Gene Brodeur for KUSM-TV/Montana PBS, MSU-Bozeman. (First Aired Thursday, November 14, 2002)

Domestic Violence: An Issue of Survival (No. 1106)

Host Gene Brodeur spends an hour on the troubling issue of domestic violence, often referred to as "the silent crime." First, survivors of domestic violence will discuss their personal stories. Then prosecutors, counselors and coordinators for the Battered Women's Network will provide us with information about shelters and support networks that can assist victims in their recovery and provide them with hope. (First Aired Thursday, December 26, 2002)

Revving Up: Snowmobiles In Yellowstone (No. 1107)

The Bush administration has reversed a proposed Clinton ban on the use of snowmobiles in Yellowstone Park. Gene Brodeur talks with environmentalists and snowmobile enthusiasts about the compromise proposal scheduled to take effect in March. (First Aired Thursday, January 09, 2003)

First Response in a Post 9-11 World (No. 1108)

Emergency medical teams are among the first on the scene of natural and terrorist-caused catastrophes. Members of Montana's tribal and county health departments discuss emergency preparedness and response at the local level in the aftermath of September 11th, 2001. (First Aired Thursday, January 23, 2003)

Shortfall (No. 1109)

Lawmakers in Helena are dealing with an estimated $250 million budget shortfall. Gene Brodeur looks at where cuts will likely be made and at emerging solutions for eradicating the red ink. (First Aired Thursday, February 13, 2003)

Past Lessons (No. 1110)

Gene Brodeur talks with Anthony A. Goodman, professor of medicine and microbiology at MSU and author of the historical novel Shadow of God (Source Books, 2002), which examines relationships among Jews, Muslims and Christians, mainly in the Ottoman Empire of the sixteenth century. Goodman makes it clear that the religious and ethnic tensions we read about in today's headlines are hardly new. (First Aired Thursday, February 27, 2003)

Retail Energy: A Deregulation Update (No. 1111)

It's been a few years since the 2001 Legislature passed HB 474, the deregulation bill. Last year, voters decided to repeal the measure. Public Service Commission Chairman Bob Rowe and others close to the deregulation issue talk about customer choices in the emerging market of retail energy. Produced by Gene Brodeur for KUSM/Montana PBS, MSU-Bozeman. (First Aired Thursday, March 27, 2003)

Indian Issues in the 2003 Legislature (No. 1112)

Seven American Indians hold seats in the 2003 Montana Legislature. Legislative efforts include HB 608 (Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy) which aims to improve state-tribal relationships, and HB 422 (Rep. Carol Juneau) which calls for Indian hiring preferences for reservation schools .Gene Brodeur visits with tribal members in Helena about the impact of their collective voice in the House and Senate. (First Aired Thursday, April 10, 2003)

Coalbed Methane In Montana: Not In My Backyard! (No. 1113)

Two legislative committees and the Board of Environmental Review are debating the future of coalbed methane gas development in Montana. Meanwhile, property owners are going head to head with developers who want to drill exploratory wells to tap the methane gas. Gene Brodeur updates the ongoing debate over coalbed methane. Produced by Gene Brodeur for KUSM, Montana PBS, MSU-Bozeman, (406) 994-3437. (First Aired Thursday, April 24, 2003)

The 2003 Session: A Reporter's Notebook (No. 1114)

Montana lawmakers came to the 2003 legislative session facing a $232 million deficit. Capitol bureau chiefs Mike Dennison, of the Great Falls Tribune, and Chuck Johnson, of Lee Newspapers, join Walt Williams, who covered the session for the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, in discussing legislation aimed at balancing the state's books and other major bills that emerged from the session. (First Aired Thursday, May 08, 2003)

Montanans and the War (No. 1115)

Some fiery letters to Montana newspaper editors articulate strong support for our troops in Iraq; others vigorously denounce the Administration's actions. Some Montanans are boycotting Brie. What's going on? Gene Brodeur talks with Montana citizens about the war in Iraq and its possible aftermaths. Produced by Gene Brodeur for KUSM/ Montana PBS, MSU-Bozeman. (First Aired Thursday, May 15, 2003)

Second Thoughts About Term Limits (No. 1116)

In 1992, by a nearly two-to-one margin, Montanans passed a constitutional initiative (CI 64) setting limits on how long statewide elected executive officers, state legislators and others can hold office. In the session that ended in April, the legislature recommended longer term limits for lawmakers, and mandated that voters agree or disagree in the November, 2004, general election. Host Gene Brodeur talks with partisans on both sides about the fight over term limits and discusses how voters are likely to see the issue. (First Aired Thursday, June 12, 2003)

Department of Health and Human Services: Doing More With Less (No. 1117)

Like many other states, Montana's funds for social services are badly depleted and there's no relief in sight. Gene Brodeur looks at the likely consequences for health care and child care in Montana. (First Aired Thursday, June 26, 2003)

Summer Reading (No. 1118)

Cindy Christin, children's librarian for the Bozeman public library, talks with host Gene Brodeur about the buzz over the new Harry Potter book and recommends additional titles for kids 6 years old and older. Then Brodeur heads to Helena to visit with Christie Briggs, of the Talking Book Library, a volunteer service for visually impaired people throughout the state. (First Aired Thursday, July 10, 2003)

West Nile Virus In Montana (No. 1119)

West Nile virus is upon us. Last year the mosquito-borne virus turned up in 26 Montana counties. Gene Brodeur brings us up to date in interviews with MSU etymologist Greg Johnson, with Tom Linfield, a state veterinarian, and with a Belgrade vet who is inoculating horses to protect them from the virus. (First Aired Thursday, July 24, 2003)