Productive session despite frayed tempers

House District 12

As the 59th Legislative Session nears an end, tempers are on the rise; and a whole lot of finger pointing is observed. With all of that going on, you might be wondering if party politics trumps the good of Montanans. I think not. Although the session will end with winners and losers, rest assured that the winners have lost some and the losers have won some; and, in the end, Montanans benefit from this imperfect, but seemingly workable legislative process. Let me explain.

This session, 806 bills and 46 resolutions were introduced in the House of Representatives; 525 bills and 58 resolutions in the Senate. We can all be grateful that not all of these bills will become law. But, before we start pointing fingers, Republicans and Democrats alike introduced their fair share, many of which would raise taxes, impose a fee, or spend money — money that counts towards the dreaded cap. No one is guilt free from the process. And if you don't believe that, check out your favorite legislator's voting record.

In addition to the challenge of deciphering 1,435 pieces of proposed legislation, this session's legislators must deal with the court-imposed tasks of (1) defining a basic system of free quality education, and (2) designing, funding and implementing this new system.

In spite of what you may have heard, partisan politics was put aside to complete the first task. SB 152 (Ryan-D), which provides that definition, was signed by the Governor on April 8, after 79 Representatives and 43 Senators gave their stamp of approval — with no bloodshed. A win for Montanans! Although the challenge of funding this system is still before us, there is a commitment to get the job done and do what is best for our kids and for our schools.

Also, there has been good news for those of us who love to hunt and fish. This session will have succeeded in making the Habitat Montana program permanent, making Montana's fishing access enhancement program permanent and in stopping the termination of the hunter access enhancement programs.

And, Democrats have not forgotten their promise to bring affordable prescription drugs to seniors, low-income citizens and the uninsured. The Montana House of Representatives, by a vote of 92 - 6, gave final approval on Thursday to SB 324 (Tester -D), the bill that will provide affordable prescription drugs to thousands of Montanans. It is on its way to the Governor for his signature. SB 324 will (1) create a meaningful prescription drug benefit program, assisting up to 20,000 low-income seniors and disabled Medicare recipients, (2) provide discounted prices on prescription drugs for uninsured, low-income Montanans and (3) create a consulting program between pharmacists and consumers, to ensure that the safest, most effective, and least expensive medication is being provided to patients.

The session is not over. There's more to report. There are challenges ahead. Is everything fixed? No. But it's not all bad news. Stay tuned for the post-mortem.

You can reach me at:

Montana House of Representatives

PO Box 200400

Helena, MT 59620-0400

Capitol: (406) 444-4800

Cell: (406) 544-8086

Email:

windham@centurytel.net