Update from Helena

This legislative session will be very different. The House in the last three sessions was divided evenly between Republicans and Democrats. Now, there are 68 Republicans and only 32 Democrats, and 32 of the Republicans are new legislators.

Like most Montanans, I voted for term limits, but your representatives only work 90 days every two years. The other two branches of government are full time. As I have said many times, most bills are not controversial. We work away at correcting statutes and rules. The few that are contentious get all the attention.

There are many interesting bills already in the works. If you can, please track any that interest you. Go to http://www.leg.mt.gov and click on bills, current session. And then find the subject you want.

You can find introduced legislation about medical marijuana, everything from new rules to total repeal. There are many DUI proposed bills from stiffer penalties to 24/7 monitoring programs, like I tried to do last session.

The first Saturday we will have a joint session with the senate. Business groups from across the state are invited to speak to legislators about job creation.

The budget will be a major consideration. Our constitution requires that we balance the proposed budget with the estimated revenue. That is the reason our state is not operating in the red. But the revenues for the next two years do not look good. In fact, the 2008 revenue level is not projected to be reached again until 2015. The cost of government continues to grow. We will need to make some reductions that will be difficult for everyone.

The governor’s budget has several fund transfers. For example, he is taking the $20 million we have saved from lower fire costs this year. He is also raiding the Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP). This is coal trust interest used to fund and give loans to local projects, like water and sewers.

The governor’s office estimates revenue just like the legislative fiscal division. The governor’s estimate is $40 million higher than ours. I do believe that we will recover from this recession, but I’m afraid it will be slower.

As many of you know, our State Senator, John Brueggeman resigned. I’d like to thank him for his years of service and wish him well in his new employment.

Last I heard, I am one of the three finalists to fill his seat. I feel that I can best serve the citizens of our area from the Senate. Whether I get the appointment or not, I will continue to keep everyone informed through the newspapers and our local radio station.

I never forget that I work for you. Call me at home 849-6096, cell 253-8766 or email me at jannataylor@montana.com.

Best wishes for the New Year.