Julie Hippler

Julie Hippler earned a high school diploma from St. Teresa High School, a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University in 1985, and a graduate degree from Montana State University-Billings in 1998.

Hippler's career experience includes working as a teacher.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a retired teacher who moved to Montana in 1990 because of its beautiful public lands. I taught students in regular K-6 education and students with disabilities in grades K-8 in Yellowstone Co. for over 30 years. I am running to make Montana more affordable and equitable for all Montanans. I will advocate for public schools and public lands and I will work to protect the rights in the Montana Constitution. I want to bring a balance back to the Montana Legislature. I am running to represent the constituents of Senate District 25, not a particular party. As I campaign, I am listening to the problems and concerns of these constituents and I am researching solutions. I worked hard for my students in Billings and Laurel and I plan to work hard for the residents of Montana in the Montana State Legislature.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Public education is the cornerstone of our democracy and Montana needs to make pre-K to college education a priority. The Montana State Legislature has never adequately funded its public schools. Large districts like Billings, in particular, suffer from complicated funding formulas that short change their students because of the large district size. The results of that low funding are a lack of services and personnel. Special ed., gifted ed. & programs for students with emotional needs are particularly at-risk. A shortage of teachers and para-professionals is also a result of this inadequate funding. It is time to really invest in the education of the next generation of Montanans.Montana has become unaffordable. Housing, healthcare, childcare, utility bills and grocery costs are all rising, while salaries & wages remain stagnant. Corporations are making record profits and getting tax breaks, while everyday Montanans are struggling to make ends meet and the burden of taxation is falling on them, especially when it comes to public safety and educational levies. The state has a role to play in improving the quality of life of its residents and they are not fulfilling that role. Montanans need to start seeing their taxes pay for services that benefit us and make our lives better. We need to set policies to make living affordable for all Montana families.Upholding the rights guaranteed in our Montana Constitution and keeping our judicial elections non-partisan are extremely important issues in this election. Our constitution guarantees a clean and healthy environment, free and fair elections, a quality public education, the right to privacy and public lands held in trust for the people. Those rights are constantly under attack. Voting rights have been limited and corporate spending and dark money have infected our political campaigns much like they did in the days of the Copper Kings when a senate seat could be bought. I think it's wrong for a Supreme Court candidate to receive $20,000 in contributions from the Montana Republican Party. I will fight to keep money out of judicial elections.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about finding and implementing solutions to the mental health crisis facing our state. Montana has ranked in the top five for suicide rates in the nation, for the past forty years and Montana teens ages 11–17 die by suicide at twice the national rate. People with a mental illness are 10 times more likely to be incarcerated, when early intervention and treatment would be far less expensive and more effective. In a recent NIH study, it was estimated that 67% of people experiencing homelessness have a mental disorder. It is clear that we need policies to address this very difficult societal problem. Many studies have been done at the state and community level. It is time to fund the solutions to this multi-faceted problem.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have received the endorsement of the Montana Federation of Public Employees