Update from Helena: Rep. John Flemming
Hello, again, from Helena. My focus during the third legislative week was agriculture. The governor’s office sliced revenue predictions by another $85 million. He warned the legislature to expect no stimulus money for its legislation efforts as the $800 million would be heavily “earmarked” by the federal Congress. So, Montana will definitely benefit, but will have little say in the infrastructure projects and job creation initiatives.
Monday morning I testified before the Long Range Planning Committee to support Renewable Resource Grants of $100,000 to the city of St. Ignatius, the Joint Board of Control and the CSKT. St. Ignatius seeks to improve
its water storage capacity. The Joint Board and CSKT proposed canal lining projects in the Jocko area. These three projects are likely
recipients of these previously funded grants.
Legislators were invited to breakfast on Tuesday by the state 4-H organization. A speech and a video project by Helena 4-H youth were
showcased. Guest speaker was nationally acclaimed rodeo clown Flint Rasmussen of Choteau. Hosts for Lake County were Roxanne Hovenkotter and her daughter, Hallie, of Polson who is a 4-H member.
Lake County Community Development representatives had a display in the Capitol Rotunda Wednesday. Three local leaders, Billie Lee, Jan Tusick, and Tina Oliphant spoke with me and together we will promote legislation to support food and agriculture development centers across the state. This effort attempts to add value to Montana agriculture products prior to leaving the state and so creating jobs and profits within the state.
Friday, the Career and Technical Ed teachers hosted legislators. The State FFA Treasurer and President addressed those attending.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau and State Senator (and Northern Ag Networks’s) Taylor Brown also spoke. My personal host was Ben Meyer, Ronan High School Agriculture Education teacher, who is helping me in an effort to add ag teachers to the Teacher Loan Reduction Program passed by the Legislature in 2007. State ag education groups are promoting funding for the Office of Public Education to make improvements in Montana’s agricultural education programs - Advancing Agriculture Education in
Montana (# LC2123). Please express your support for this effort.
Mission Valley native, Mr. Joel Clairmont, currently Deputy Director of Agriculture, has enlisted my help to sponsor a simple bill to save the state money in posting state lab costs for testing grains at local elevators. The law requires samples be taken of each load and a grower may pay for state lab testing for confirmation of results.
I appreciate contacts and visits from all of you. My e-mail is fleming@stignatius.net and my cell phone is 207-3188.