Major policy issues are surfacing in the Legislature

John Brueggeman,

Senate District 6

The first quarter of the 59th Legislative session is nearly complete and many of the major policy initiatives are beginning to see the light of day.

Education: Defining a basic quality system of education has been the policy focus of this session.

As most people know, the State of Montana lost a court case claiming the State had failed to meet is constitutional obligation to provide a basic system of quality education. This session, the plan was to define a basic system of quality education, and then bring a bill creating a funding formula that reflects the system.

During a floor debate that extended until 2 a.m. the Senate considered Senate Bill 152, which seeks to codify a definition of quality education. The fiscal note, or administrative analysis on the cost of implementation, provided the Legislature for SB 152 points to a fiscal impact for the State of Montana between $0 and $450 million per year.

The problem the fiscal note identifies is that there are a number of ways to define a quality education.

With the variety of definitions follows a variety of potential costs.

The real question remains: what will this cost, and how will we pay for it.

I look forward to seeing an analysis of the cost for the funding formula proposal so that both houses and parties can reconcile the two bills.

I am confident we will end the session with a system the taxpayers can afford, which meets our constitutional obligation and continues to turn out students well prepared for the modern world.

Ethanol: Senate Bill 293, a bill to mandate ethanol usage statewide, is gaining attention and momentum as it comes close to entering the process.

The proposal will be heard Tuesday in the Senate Transportation Committee on which I serve. I expect a lengthy hearing as the agriculture community squares off with the refining industry and petroleum producers.

The bill requires that gasoline sold at the pump contain 10 percent ethanol.

The bill doesn't take effect until at least 30 million gallons of ethanol are produced in Montana to prevent other states from taking advantage of the mandated market.

I can see both sides of the argument and look forward to a thorough hearing in committee.

On one hand, the bill may create a substantial opportunity to revitalize the agricultural economy in Montana while taking a major step to keep our energy dollars in the domestic market as opposed to sending them overseas.

On the other hand, a mandate like this may place a large burden on the fuel industry across Montana and there is still some question as to whether this will increase or decrease the price for consumers.

This will be a significant change in the everyday lives of all Montanans and it's important that the public weigh in.

With respect to these and all issues before the Legislature, I would like to hear from you.

My contact information for the session: Phone: 250-6608

Email:

senatorjohn@bresnan.net