Helena update: Rep. John Fleming
Hello from Helena. In seven days, the legislature has much to accomplish in terms of the state budget and dealing with the property reappraisal. A special session is not out of the question, although not a popular prospect for most of us.
As expected, the House rejected the Senate changes to its budget proposal and the stimulus package. So conference committees have been selected by leadership and hopefully compromises will be reached by the time you read this. Money “earmarked” for particular places and projects by both the House and Senate has come under deserved criticism.
Some welcome news arrived from the Legislative Fiscal Division. This group of usually reliable economists, for the first time since late October, revised upward the estimate of state tax revenue by approximately $17 million. Although no one is talking about additional spending, this news relieves some pressure.
The House bill to mitigate property reappraisal has been changed by the Senate and will be debated Monday in the House. If the House accepts the changes, the property taxes will change little from present law and the Revenue Department will do studies to see if the current property values are accurate. If not, the 2011 legislature can revise them.
Non budget actions have also been taken. The next commission to look at districts for legislators has been appointed. The commission by law must look at redistricting every ten years based on the latest census. Money for food and agriculture development centers, a bill I sponsored, passed the House (71-26) and has been sent to the Governor. We worked hard to find money to finance these centers (one in Ronan) which support local entrepreneurs with training and advice. In the end, we accepted funding for only four centers and the $250,000 will be on a grant system throughout the state.
I have enjoyed representing the valley. The hard work was expected, but the experience itself and the knowledge gained have been very rewarding for me. Please stay in touch, even after the session. My cell is 207-3188 and e-mail address is fleming@stignatius.net.