Legislative update: Rep. John Fleming

Hello from Helena. I hit the wrong computer button and missed sending a letter last week! This report is an update on weeks six and seven. All House and Senate committee work and floor votes must be completed by Feb. 26 on bills going to the opposite body. A flood of bills were handed in and almost every committee is starting early and working late. Last week my days ended at 7 or 8 p.m.

 This week was no different, but this Sunday I enjoyed an afternoon of shooting at a clays range. Hosts were the Montana Contractor’s, Montana Coal Council and Montana Distributors. Participants knew of Polson’s clays range as the best in the state.

 One of my committees (Agriculture) heard testimony on the horse slaughter facility bill, House Bill 418, on Thursday afternoon and evening. This was one of the longer hearings and I have received messages both for and against state support for construction. This facility could create private business opportunity and jobs and offer one choice in solving the abandoned horse problem. Concerns to be addressed are clean air and water at the site and of course humane procedures inside the facility and in transportation.

 This week several local residents attended and testified on House Bill 548 concerning treatment of dogs. The Agriculture Committee will decide after break whether or not to institute a program of inspection paid for by licensing facilities which sell a certain number of dogs.

I reported on House Bill 228, the citizen self-defense and firearms bill, on my last update. This bill passed the House last week.  Opponents argued that the bill threatens the safety of peace officers while proponents said the bill changes statutes to reflect Montanans’ existing beliefs about gun rights. The bill now goes to the Senate.

 The governor’s Energy for Education bill, House Bill 388, received a hearing before another committee I sit on, House Education. In another late evening of testimony, we heard this bill would provide an appropriation of about $30 million per year for education. The money would be generated by reducing a tax holiday given to oil and gas producers in this state according to supporters. Opponents view the program simply as an increase in taxes to these companies. I believe an amendment will be offered prior to committee action to reduce the impact on smaller companies.

 I was pleased to meet with Chuck and Maxine Whitson last week. County commissioners from around the state held their annual meeting and hosted a sack lunch for legislators.

 Of great relief to educators around the state, the House Education Committee, on a bi-partisan vote, passed to the House floor House Bill 15 to fund our schools. This is critical because all appropriations must originate in the House and this was the last chance for this committee. Two prior votes were tied along party lines.

 The concern over property taxes and reappraisal remains. Lake County resident, George Stonehocker, met with Representative Taylor and myself to talk about this issue.  It is clear no one wants to pay more than his fair share. I continue to work for no net increase, but government services continue to be demanded. Good Montanans are working hard here in Helena to get it right.

 Two distinguished visitors addressed a joint session (House and Senate) this week. Senator Max Baucus spoke on Wednesday on the economic recovery and jobs bill and the Children’s Federal Health Insurance Program. On Friday, Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau delivered a State of Education report. Juneau thanked the 44 legislators who work in Education and stressed the importance of supporting the education of our children.

 I was pleased to sponsor and introduce House Bill 583 to provide funding for six food and agricultural development centers around the state. This legislation is critical in efforts to add value to Montana’s agricultural products and assist small businesses in startup and technical assistance. Ronan’s center is the Mission Mountain Food Enterprise. Jan Tusick, of Valley View, and Matthew Silent Thunder, of Ronan, each gave strong testimony to the Joint Appropriations Committee.

Please contact members of this committee and ask for their support. This committee controls the budget and in conversations with members, the chances for this Growth Through Agriculture project are only 50/50.

 Midterm break begins next Wednesday and I will be back in the Mission Valley.  Please continue to call or e-mail me with your ideas and concerns at 207-3188 or fleming@stignatius.net.