Update from Helena

Jobs and the economy: Will what is happening in Libya affect Montana’s economy? The increase in the price of a barrel of oil improves the state tax coffers, but each of us will pay more at the pump. And I’ve been watching the federal budget fiasco. What will happen to the money we get from them?

The Governor has his three sized veto brands. Now our leaders have registered their own brand. The President of the Montana Senate and the Speaker of the House now have JOBS brands. We presented a list of jobs bills when we unveiled the brands.

I sponsored legislation to reduce medical costs by limiting the practice of defensive medicine. The Senate added a minor amendment and now we’ll see if the Governor signs. The only three opponents to the bill were trial lawyers.

Budget: By the time you read this, the budget will be on the Governor’s desk. We had to back fill the ARRA money (stimulus) that was used last biennium and we are still more than five percent below the previous years. That is a first. The state of Montana never spends less.

Retirement systems: I have introduced a piece of legislation to help pay down the unfunded liabilities in the retirement systems for public employees, teachers, game wardens, peace officers and sheriffs. And this doesn’t raise your taxes.

Marijuana: We are all still getting mass emails and calls about marijuana. Senate Bill 423 is very strict. A patient can grow their own or have a caregiver. That caregiver can only care for one or two people. Marijuana is still illegal federally. Here is that debate again. Can Montana laws supersede federal laws? Can we opt out of the federal healthcare, but not the drug laws?

Surplus: SB 426 will put a referendum to the voters calling for any surplus money to be returned to income and property taxpayers. Any taxes collected over 125 percent of what we need for the budget and the ending fund balance, would be returned to the taxpayers. Of course, this would be in the future. Government will spend all the money we give it, so I liked this idea. An opponent to this bill said that Montana is one of only five states that doesn’t have a rainy day fund. Well, we have a very large coal severance trust fund, a required ending fund balance, and a structurally sound budget requirement. We are not doing as well as North Dakota, but we handle our money wisely. I think we should return any surplus taxes in the future.

DUI: There are several pieces of legislation still in the mix that concern drunk driving, everything from creating the crime of aggregated DUI to warrants to require breath and blood tests. HB 106 creates a 24/7 sobriety program like South Dakota’s.

Keep your comments coming. I’m getting hundreds everyday, but I read every one from our area. I never forget that I work for you. Reach me at 406-444-4800 or email jannataylor@montana.com.