From your representative- Calendars, schedules, plans

This has been a busy season for most of us.  It’s hard to believe that our primary election was held nearly two months ago.  Time flies.

Since the primary I’ve worked on education issues; water rights concerns; the Republican platform convention; and the retirement systems, among other things. Here’s a quick synopsis:

Education:  Right after the primary I went with 41 other Montana state legislators to attend a “school choice” conference, sponsored by the Friedman Foundation, the Montana Policy Institute, and the Montana Family Foundation.  Legislators from Idaho, Washington and Alaska joined us as we learned about schooling choices.  I was fascinated to learn about how New Orleans had turned its schools around.  I also learned that charter schools enlist more students with disabilities over their traditional public school counterparts, and, it seems, charter schools are especially helpful for students with autism or asperger’s syndrome.

Right now, a Montana legislative committee is studying outcome-based funding for education.  This idea might mesh well with our state’s Office of Public Instruction “Growth and Enhancement of Montana Students” (G.E.M.S.) program.  GEMS gathers information about student and school performance, state test scores, yearly progress, graduation rates, GEDs, and how our state compares to other states.

Water Rights:  Two things are on the radar:  first, I attended an “exempt well” meeting in Kalispell and reviewed five bill drafts being considered.   Second, (and of primary concern to us here in Lake County) is the compact between the state, the Tribes and the federal government.  I’m sure you’ve heard about this.  Representative Dan Salomon is on the negotiating committee.  He said there’s still lots of work that needs to be done.  I’m keeping tabs on progress and hoping for an outcome fair to everyone.

Republican Platform:  Last month I chaired the Economic Development section of the Montana Republican Party Platform.  Jobs and our economy are still a major concern.  During the convention many Republican state Senators met to discuss legislation plans for the next session.  I’ll keep you updated.

Retirement Systems:  Retirement System officials would like me to reintroduce my bill from last session to help fund our public employee retirements.  I’m reviewing plans introduced by other Senators, too.  We really need a combined, concentrated effort to make progress here:  the unfunded liability is over $3 billion!  If you’re able to contribute to this important discussion please let me know.

One last note- a national state ranking organization gives Montana a “D” for transparency.   We in the Legislature have tried, unsuccessfully, to pass several bills to put the state checkbook and budget online. The Montana Policy Institute won a court case to put state payroll info online, which has been done. Regrettably, benefits weren’t removed and added job descriptions weren’t noted.

Several citizens have provided me with ideas for bills – thank you.  My door is always open and I will continue to represent folks who have problems with their government.  Never forget that I work for you.  Email me at jannataylor@montana.com or call 849-6096.