Toughest legislative days are yet to come
The Legislature has reconvened after a five-day transmittal break, a time well spent in Lake County visiting with people, and having the opportunity to listen to your concerns, suggestions and what really is important to you.
I was able to do a few town hall meetings, and meet with some folks individually. It is so important to hear from you because it is your solutions that matter at the end of the day.
We are here to do the work of the people, and I believe the people of Montana — kids, seniors, and families — will directly benefit from our work as long as we remember who we are working for.
I want to thank the wonderful folks at Charlo Senior Citizens. Lunch was wonderful, and you were so welcoming, as always. I was sorry that I missed Dick Stipe, but please say hello to him for me; and let him know I will see him in April.
I wanted to also give a special thanks to Tim Biggs and his government class at St. Ignatius High School. These students are thoughtful and engaged about our government. Legislators could take a lesson or two from them. I look forward to visiting again.
We are now in the second half of the 59th Legislative Session. With 43 days to go, the hard work is ahead of us: defining a basic system of free quality education; developing a funding formula for our education system that is fair to Montana's kids, schools and communities; working hard for better-paying jobs and affordable, accessible health care, and figuring out how to pay for all of this while staying within our budget. This is no small task.
And the second half of the session will also address other issues such including property tax relief, ethanol and rural economic development, open container laws, and budget Items including bonding for education, water and local government infrastructure.
There are some tough legislative days to come. However, with a willingness to work together and put in the hours necessary, 90 days should be enough time to get the people's work done. While living within our means, we can provide the most critical elements to Montanans for a great quality of life in our state.
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: