Update from Helena

It was great to be home last weekend and sleep in my own bed. I’d like to thank everyone that showed up at the town hall meeting we had on Monday. The questions were very good. If you have more, email or call me.

We are right back at it. Still debating the revenue estimate with the Governor. Who knows how high the price of gas will go? Our two top industries are agriculture and tourism and high gas prices are devastating to them.

The Appropriations Committee is finishing up HB2, the budget for the two years starting July 1. There are lots of complaints down in room 102 now. They started with the Department of Public Health and Human Services.

The Big Sky Rx program has been very contentious. The committee reduced the income level for eligibility. There is talk that the Senate will return the program to the original numbers.

Then the Appropriations Committee took up education. That was also a heated discussion. The committee removed $32 million from higher education, as well as several smaller reductions.

One senator is working on a bill to increase the amount the state spends on education. And guess what? He’s a Republican. His plan does use some of the oil and gas money from eastern Montana, but not all.

House bill 2 will probably be on the House floor this Friday. I’m sure we will hear all the same amendments brought forth in the Appropriations Committee. It well take at least two full days for the House hearing and then HB2 goes to the Senate Finance and Claims Committee.

They have hearings and votes and then the bill goes to the Senate floor. I’m sure there will be changes, so then HB2 comes back to the House again for us to approve the changes.

Appropriations put back some of the TSEP (Treasure State Endowment Program) money. The Governor wanted to put this into the general fund. The money is from a small part of the coal trust interest we receive each year.

Here’s the interesting part. The Governor’s budget kept $1 million in the program to fund seven FTEs (full time equivalent personnel). What were they supposed to do with no program to administer?

This program offers grants and bonds to local areas. Most of the projects are for sewer and waste water. This is a great way for government to help create jobs.

What I’m trying to point out, is that the process is long and complex. Nothing is finally decided until the Governor amends, signs or vetoes the bill.

I am working on a late bill to repair the unfunded liability in the public employees retirement systems. A friend had a good way to use some new potential income. It is late in the process and I’ll have to scramble.

Keep contacting me. I am sorry I can’t always answer every contact, but I do try. I never forget that I work for you. Leave me a message at 406-444-4800, my cell is 253-8766 or email me at jannataylor@montana.com