Montanans from across the state from Butte to Missoula, Miles City to Kalispell and everything in between, traveled to Helena today for the "No Fooling With Our Future Rally" out of concern over the Legislature's cuts to the budget.

Over 1,000 people protested at the Capitol Friday afternoon. After chanting and making their voices heard on the front steps, they actually marched around the Capitol building, carrying their signs and rallying against the cuts to the budget, making their message crystal clear.

Demonstrators often chanted… “These cuts hurt! These cuts hurt!” and “Courage not cuts!”

And when asked, “are these cuts about your family? Are these cuts bad for Montana?” The loud response of yes to both questions echoed on the front lawn of the Capitol for all to hear.

Organized by MEA-MFT, the over 1,000 protesters are pointing the finger at a GOP-led majority that’s moving full-steam ahead with a budget plan that cuts spending by about 5%. “The Republican majority seems to have a deficit disorder,” says Senator David Wanzenreid (D - Senate District 49.)

With education…

“We do not want these unnecessary, cruel, ideological cuts to our state budget,” says State Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau. With about $32 million cut from the higher-ed budget, college students face the possibility of a double-digit tuition increase and the GOP-master plan to fund K-12 is still yet to be hammered out.

Health care and programs for children…

“The cuts will drastically affect our ability to get the therapy and medications our daughter needs,” says mother Wendy Barnhouse White. Her children utilize Health Montana Kids, a voter-passed initiate whose funding was slashed. With $26 million cut from the program 5,000 kids will have to go without health insurance.

…And human services all on the chopping block.

“They’ve cut services that ordinary Montanans like you and I depend on every day to meet our most basic needs,” says Independent Living Lobbyist Travis Hoffman. Hoffman says that with $131 million dollars cut from the health and human services budget, seniors and people with disabilities will be limited to just 11 and a half minutes per meal per day of assistance with meal preparation.

The over $100 million shaved from the Governor’s budget...

“We know the money is there and we know that these cuts are about right-wing values not creating jobs and not saving tax payer dollars,” says Stacey Anderson, Public Affairs Director for Planned Parenthood of Montana. The Legislature has eliminated the entire state’s Family Planning program, which will cause 27,000 Montanans to go without preventative health care.

Has Republicans saying they’re being prudent…

“They will not take away our health care, they will not take away our education, they will not take away our justice, we stand for what’s right,” says Lita Pepion with the Indian People’s Action.

…and Montana citizens and Democrat lawmakers depending on the Governor.

As Governor Schweitzer took the podium the crowd chanted “veto! veto! veto! veto!” Which prompted Schweitzer to show-off his “veto” branding irons. “The no-good stinking’ bad bills get the big iron!” he says. The Governor showcased three branding irons, a large one, a medium one and a small one. He told an enthusiastic and cheering crowd that the medium one was for small bills that do bad things and his small brand was for “pocket vetoes.”

GOP budget-crafter Senator Dave Lewis of Helena says Republicans have no plans to add money back into the budget when they meet next week to finalize details.