by Evan Schroedel, Florence
I recently reread an April newspaper column by Greg Overstreet, our legislative representative for House District 88, who defeated me in the last election. His article was patting himself on the back for what he had accomplished in the first half of the legislative session. It struck me that none of the issues he put forward had anything to do with the needs of Montanans struggling in this economy.
At the end of the April article, he said he was looking forward to working with his fellow Republicans for the rest of the session. That’s the part that grabbed my attention. Whether you’re an Independent, Democrat, or Republican, you deserve equal representation in Helena.
As a native-born Montanan, with several generations rooted in Treasure State soil, I have a better perspective than Overstreet, the recent newcomer voters sent to Helena. We have certain needs here, many of which are unique to a rural Western state with more cows than people, regardless of our political affiliation. Though we may fundamentally disagree about the best course of action, the focus of state government should be on what we can do for all Montanans.
Now, in late July with the benefit of hindsight, Overstreet’s claim about working with Republicans through the rest of the session rings particularly hollow. Representatives passed beneficial laws because a coalition of Republicans, the “Nasty Nine,” put the needs of their constituents ahead of party loyalty and voted with Democrats. Bills passed thanks to this cooperation included the expansion of Medicaid, and passing a revised state budget. Although the bill ultimately failed, these Republican “defectors” worked with Democrats to establish a child tax credit. Legislation blocked would have weakened labor unions, made judicial elections partisan, and established unlimited hunting for wolves.
Overstreet was part of the problem, not the solution.
I remain concerned about property taxes, which did not get adequately resolved last session, and state income taxes remain excessive. And like the vast majority of my fellow Montanans, I remain steadfast in my opposition to the sale of our public lands. In addition, we need to address public education.
Is Rep. Overstreet up to the task? His first legislative performance casts grave doubt.