Education is a top priority

Jeanne Windham

House District 12

Heavy snow, the flu and even pneumonia didn't stop progress this past week in the House. The overriding agenda continues to be defining what is a quality education and how to fund it.

However, there are other important bills facing the House. As a member of the Judiciary, Education and Agriculture committees, I am actively involved in bills affecting the hard working people and families of Lake County. One such bill, HB 16, passed unanimously in the Education Committee last Friday. This bill will increase funding for non-beneficiary students enrolled at SKC, allowing more students to pursue a college education.

Also, the ethanol effort, a key to economic development efforts in Montana, is on the move. The issue of ethanol is an important one to all Montanans since it will reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources as well as provide a high-protein feed for cattle that can then be slaughtered and sold in Montana. The benefits of ethanol production are countless. The demand for Montana grown corn, wheat, and barley will stimulate local agriculture commodities and prices and reduce transportation costs. The by-product of making ethanol can be used as a feed that will in turn increase the economic value of the cattle and dairy industries. Ethanol production is well suited for rural areas like ours, which are in dire need of economic development.

Whether it is about creating good-paying jobs, promoting small businesses and affordable health care, preserving our hunting and fishing traditions, or upholding our values of family and community, I am committed to making sure that your voice is heard in Helena.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding ANY bill before the legislature, please let me know. And if there is any issue you think I need to be aware of, again, please let me know. I am in Helena to represent you. If you would like regular weekly updates, please send me your email so that I can add you to my e-list. And if you need to reach me for any reason, please write, email or phone me.

Representative Jeanne Windham

Montana House of Representatives

PO Box 200400

Helena, MT 59620-0400

Capitol: (406)444-4800

Cell: (406) 544-8086

Email: windham@centurytel.net