Gianforte vetoes SB 442

by Bob Williams, Stevensville

Lately, there’s been a lot of reporting about our Montana Governor doing something very unusual. Something for which he may indeed have very special reasons.

He acted against:

The voted intent of this Republican controlled supermajority of the Montana Legislature.

The majority of people in Montana wanting to see more projects increase access for hikers, anglers, and hunters.

Montana Vets with stated crucial needs.

Montana Counties anticipating general fund money for needed maintenance of roads including the delivery of agricultural crops to market.

The Montana Constitution which requires the Governor to send his veto of a bill passed by the Legislature to the Secretary of State, who then files and makes public such veto by the Governor.

That way, the Legislature can exercise its unique right to override a veto by the Governor.  A veto of a bill which was previously passed by both the Montana House and Senate.

Why did Governor Gianforte veto SB 442 and in essence, put it in his pocket, rather than by law send his veto document to the Montana Secretary of State?

Look at what he wanted to avoid. Look at what would have happened if he sent his veto to the MT SOS. That would allow the post session Legislature, via email correspondence, to make a ⅔ vote to override such veto by the Governor! (And thus benefit Montana in ways already voted on by due process of the 68th Session of the Montana Legislature.)

Governor Gianforte must have his own reasons to justify his action against the interests of so many different people who would benefit from SB 442.

I can only guess that he’s not much interested in running for reelection.

And is very interested in going on record against using State acquired revenue from State-licensed sellers of marijuana, to benefit the interests of people whom our elected Montana Legislators wanted to benefit.

He has repeatedly stated that his administration is based on principles.