The journey doesn’t stop because of the failure or success of a bill passing. Our feelings may get derailed; the agony of defeat is natural as is the thrill of victory. There has been plenty of both as we close in on the last week of the session.
The bill is good, public support for it runs very high, it starts on the House side and comfortably passes through to the Senate, close vote in committee, finally passes onto the Senate floor where the unfairness of a agency flexing its muscle against the bill was able to bring it down based mainly on turf and power protection. Not scientific data. The Health Services department worked hard and got the Raw Milk bill stopped on the Senate floor. The national data statistics from the 40 states that have passed this legislation consistently show that spinach and hamburger have many times the health issues. This was all about an agency, about power and control instead of what’s the right choice.
Here’s a review of some of the bills of interest this week. Medicaid expansion will be signed by the governor soon and off to Washington for their approval. Not likely to be approved and implemented for upwards of a year. Much snarling on this one, of course. As legislators we must choose what we think is the responsible choice for the entire state. Lots of good is done with this passing, and lot’s of unknown on the fiscal side is still the challenge to understand. I voted a reluctant no because of the money concerns, not as popular, more cautious.
SB-396 – Transportation for hire. You may have used “Uber” in your travels away from Montana. It’s not legal here. This changes that, a type of Uber, will require a license and lots of insurance. Very popular and can really benefit the rural areas. This may find a veto on the gov’s desk. I voted yes.
SB-410 – Tax credit for personal contributions to both public and private schools. Strong bi-partisan support around the state. Inside the Capitol, administration and unions oppose. I voted yes, and another one likely to find TBG’s veto pen (that’s in house lingo for the governor when he veto’s stuff, The Big Guy)
SB-157 – Reduce property re-appraisal time from six years to two years, which evens out the huge swings in quickly changing values. Protection for the homeowners and small businesses. I voted yes. Another one that may find TBG’s veto.
SB-289 – Campaign finance reform, also known as the “dark money” bill. Lots of good and some not so good with this one. The big statewide races are the main target, that’s good, and for the state legislators not so much. Seems to give the unions more wiggle room than private donors. I voted no.
HB-488 – Doubles the fine amounts for DUI’s. Montana has one of the lowest rates in the country. I feel that this is still too low. We need to put serious consequences onto our repeat offenders. I voted yes.
SB-375 – Raising highway speed limit to 80mph on some highways. Single vehicle accidents are the number one fatality category in Montana. I don’t see how allowing us to go even faster is going to reduce that factor. Doesn’t improve safety in my mind. I voted no. The bill passed. Maybe this will be one TBG will see my way and hit the veto button.
Hunker down and hang on, the wind’s still blowing in Helena.
Rep. Ed Greef, HD 88
Florence