Move into politics a natural progression for union activist in Montana

Growing up, unions and politics were two strong currents in Robyn Driscoll’s life. When she was hired in 1995 as a community education coordinator for the Billings (Mont.) public schools, one of the first things Driscoll did was join the Billings Classified Employees Association. "I was raised in a solid union family, so no one had to lobby me to join," she says.

Ten years later, when the state Democratic Party was looking for someone to run for a seat in the Montana Legislature, two field representatives from MEA-MFT—the merged state federation—turned to Driscoll as an ideal candidate, and she welcomed the invitation. "They knew that my interest level was high and that I would be a strong voice for education," she notes.

Last fall, Driscoll won the seat for the 51st district in the state House of Representatives. While it was her first run for office, the PSRP activist already had a broad background in politics. When she was young, her father—a precinct committeeman—would take her to political events. An internship with the Legislature showed her more of the body’s inner mechanisms, and work on other Democratic campaigns left her ready to pursue her own political career.

"I loved campaigning," Driscoll says. "I got to meet so many people. Knocking on doors was the best part." She worked during the campaign, so every night and much of the weekend was spent campaigning, which, she admits, "completely takes over your life" for about six months. And that’s before you even take office.

The union contract allows Driscoll to take unpaid leave for the four months that the state Legislature meets in odd years. Even as a first-year lawmaker, she has managed to get some of her bills passed. Two of the five bills Driscoll introduced were passed and sent to the governor, and two others were looking good for passage as the Legislature neared the end of its session.

One of the successful bills will create an eight-foot zone between women and families seeking medical care at women’s clinics and protestors that stand outside. Another priority bill for Driscoll would limit liability on student-constructed projects in the Billings public schools because soaring insurance costs have threatened the future of the student program. She also has proposed a bill that would allow superintendents to disseminate information on tax rate levies and bond issues.

Between legislative sessions, Driscoll plans to return to what she calls her "real job" with the Billings schools. Her department is part of an adult education program that offers classes in everything from job skills to dog obedience.

"I’m always seeking new class ideas that will interest people enough to sign up," she says. Union activism, through a range of committees and other activities, has been another constant in her education career. "To me, it’s so important to have that union fellowship and support," she says.

Driscoll already knows that she also wants to continue in elected office. "I feel I have a pretty decent political career," she comments. "Our local newspaper has given me and my bills great press, and the more your name is out there, the better." She has also learned to work well with representatives from the other party, and that can’t hurt either.