Capitol Letters

My first Town Hall – Thank you all for filling Polson Library’s meeting room last Monday for the Q and A session with us, your legislators. It was great to get reacquainted and hear your many concerns. Conversation ranged widely from the problems with the current Big Sky Rx program all the way to fair rebates for renewable energy. I know we couldn’t cover them all in the time we spent together.

Of course while driving back to Helena I thought of many things I should have said. I do wish to add that I feel an occasional resolution – although not carrying the weight of law – clarifies our state’s position. For example, HJ1 passed the House 99-1, which reads, “Urging the United States Congress and the President to approve federal legislation that would result in the immediate removal of the gray wold from the endangered species list in Montana.” I like the message that sends to Washington, that wolves affect our agriculture and we want to deal with the issue locally. The Senate just passed a resolution that opposes designation of national monuments without state consent.

House bills to Senate floor for debate – The last half of our session will bring votes that cleared the House. You’ve been hearing some of the more controversial topics, like nullification of various federal laws. Keep in mind the House has a 68-32 majority of conservatives; in the Senate, our margin is slimmer. I will vote for sensible Conservative values. Our Republican agenda prioritizes job creation, and I’m bullish on jobs.

Big Sky Rx has been debated in House Appropriations. They restored it to 135 percent of poverty level; we’ll see if that part of the budget survives the whole House. I appreciate your cards on that issue. I know it means a lot to you.

Pace picks up – We launched right back into committee meetings this week. It’s a lot like judging high school speech meets for those of you who’ve had that privilege. Articulate, prepared proponents give their side; then the opponents speak. I keep notes, and really appreciate when we have time to reflect on the arguments before we are expected to take executive action — either tabling or passing the bill. One of my constituents cleverly remarked that there is no way to vote “Let me think about it!”

Although we invariably vote opposite, I respect the arguments of the Democrats in my committees. Healthy debate clarifies your thinking on the complicated topics we face.

Senate floor debates are equally stimulating. The sponsor opens with an introduction; any Senator may comment; then the sponsor gives their best argument in closing. It’s such a joy to work around articulate, dedicated people.

This week we passed a bill that the Clean Indoor Air Act applies to smoking medical marijuana. Next we will deal with bigger issues regarding medical marijuana.