Highlights from Helena, Mar. 21 - Rep. Greg Hertz

In the House Agriculture committee we have been working on a couple of great bills that have received widespread support from the people of Montana. The first bill is HB 574, also known as the fresh raw milk bill sponsored by Representative Champ Edmonds of Lolo. This bill would allow local farmers with small herds of cows, goats or sheep to sell their fresh milk directly to consumers without being required to pasteurize it. Many families across Montana own their own milk cow and enjoy the benefits of fresh raw milk. However, many Montanans live in areas where they cannot own milk cows or they may not wish to own milk cows. Since Montana does not allow the sale of fresh raw milk from the producers to a consumer, most people across Montana do not have access to this great product. I can remember when I grew up in Polson during the sixties, and we would have fresh raw milk delivered to our door step. This was a common practice across our state and at some point in time the government decided to step in and stop this practice. The main opponents to this bill were the Montana Department of Livestock and the Milk control board. Their concern is that without pasteurization milk may have harmful bacteria that may cause illness. However, a study from CDC showed that illnesses caused by non-pasteurized dairy products are very minimal. I will be a strong supporter of this bill as it progresses through the legislative process.

Several weeks ago I discussed HB 471 the farm to school bill that I am carrying through the legislature. This bill would encourage the use of locally raised food products in our school lunch programs. It was heard on the House Floor and passed with strong support on a 70 to 29 vote. It now needs support and a positive vote in appropriations.

Both of these bills will provide access to great local products to the people of Montana and will also help in providing jobs to our economy. We will need your support in moving both of these bills along.

As always, you don't have to come all the way to the Capitol to participate.

If you have any input about specific bills, please don't hesitate to contact me by email at greghertz11@gmail.com or call or text me at 406-253-9505. You can also leave messages for individual legislators or committees by calling 406-444-4800. For more information on Montana’s 63rd legislative session, visit the Legislature’s website at www.leg.mt.gov.