WEB EXTRA Sen. John Brueggeman column

The 61st Legislative Session is off to a quick start with committee work moving at a faster pace than I’ve seen in the past. I remain honored to serve the people of Lake  County in the Legislature and appreciate all the support in the last election. This session I serve on the Senate Finance Committee, Long Range Planning Finance Subcommittee, Corrections and Public Safety Subommittee, the State Administration Committee, and I chair the Committee on Highways and Transportation.

The issue commanding much of our attention early in the session is the Federal Economic Stimulus package currently working its way through Congress. Information remains relatively vague about the specifics of the bill and we’re currently working with Montana’s Congressional delegation with the hope of shaping the final product. We want to make sure that whatever Congress produces accurately addresses the economic situation in rural states like Montana. I remain very concerned about the impact of the continual “bailouts” and growing deficits on the financial integrity of the nation. But if Congress is going to act Montana needs to be proactive in making sure our infrastructure concerns are addressed.

The proposed economic stimulus package amounts to a total of $825 billion dollars. Two hundred and seventy five billion is reserved for business and individual tax relief. The remaining $550 billion will be used to alleviate state governments and provide funding for “Shovel-Ready” infrastructure projects which will include transportation, energy, education, and environmental projects. The bill will provide for a temporary boost in Medicaid, an extension of unemployment insurance benefits, health information technology, a new smart grid for energy, and investments in science and technology.

While the bill is still in a state of flux my hope is that in the final product each state will be responsible for allocating federal stimulus money. The Governor’s office has compiled a list of infrastructure projects which, though a good start will require a great deal of review and modification by the Long Range Subcommitee, of “Shovel-Ready” projects. Under current list, and not likely to change in the process, Lake County could be receive approximately $39.4 million dollars for various infrastructure improvement projects. I have already submitted legislation that would mandate federal stimulus package funds be distributed by the Legislature. This is the best way to ensure that the interests of all Montana citizens are represented.

If you have questions, concerns, or comments please do not hesitate to contact me. I am always look forward to talking with folks back home. The Legislature have the difficult duty of deliberating and deciding contentious issues where both sides have a legitimate viewpoint.

In the coming weeks I’ll be covering property tax reappraisal and a bill I’m introducing to address the problem of uninsured motorists.

With respect to this and all other issues, I look forward to hearing from you. Contact information: 406-444-4800 or john@senatorjohn.net.