Capitol letters
The highlight of my week was meeting a large group of local Republican women and their spouses who travelled to the Capitol to observe us at work. They hosted a dinner and sack lunch for us and sat through committee meetings and House and Senate sessions. I really appreciate your time and effort!
There are always several things going on at the same time here. Our committee meetings have run as late as 10 p.m. so we have missed some evening events. I did attend part of the Tea Party’s presentations. They have stimulated Constitutional awareness, revitalized the political process, and crossed traditional party lines by rallying Independents, young adults, and even the politically inactive. I get hundreds of email and phone messages a day from all perspectives, which proves what we do matters to you. More than once, I have received messages from a husband and wife with opposite opinions. Talk about being put between two fires!
1. Death penalty: The messages, mail and calls I received were overwhelmingly in favor of Senate Bill 185 repealing Montana’s death penalty. We’ve all observed cases that dragged on for years with appeal after appeal, creating extended trauma for the victim’s family. I saw public empathy shift from the victim’s family to the murderer with insensitive media coverage. I voted with three other Republicans for the repeal.
2. Transparency: My State Administration Committee passed a bill to disclose which elected legislators opted to take the state health insurance plan which is partly paid for by the state during the session -- I opted out, as I chose to pay for my own insurance. We feel that the public who elected us deserves to know.
3. Assisted Suicide: Senator Hinkle’s much-publicized prohibition on aid in dying got tabled, and did not survive a haphazard vote to place it on our Senate floor. This means the debate on it is over. I regret this; I wanted the entire Senate to debate and vote on it, and hopefully pass it.
4. Parental notice for abortions: The bill requiring parental notice for under-16-year-olds seeking abortion passed the Senate 29-21. There was passionate debate on the floor, but I was not convinced that a girl facing this major decision shouldn’t notify her parent or guardian. The mail I received supported my feelings.
5. DUI law just got tougher: Risking the perception of more government intrusion, I reluctantly voted for the Senate bill authorizing law enforcement to obtain a warrant for a BAC blood sample if the suspect has a previous conviction, had previously refused to blow for a BAC test, or has a pending charge. We just have to put the brakes on repeat offenders.
6. Sensible health reform: We’ve made it clear we resist the federal sledgehammer approach to health care reform, so we sent a letter to the Governor inviting his support for a Montana-made solution -- not a one-size-fits-all plan imposed on us by the federal government.
Coming up: Transmittal -- the point when bills that have passed the House get sent to the Senate, and vice-versa, for final review and passage. If a bill passes both houses, it goes to the Governor for his decision.
I’ll be back home next weekend during our mid-session break. I look forward to seeing many of you!