Committee meetings underway

Regular committee meetings got under way this week with a few bills being brought to the floor. Republicans supported SJ 1, which lengthens the amount of time proposed referendums can be introduced in the 2011 Legislature. An amendment offered by House Democrats to lessen the time, claiming laws shouldn’t be passed unless they have the Governor’s blessing, was rejected by House Republicans.

A series of bills designed to roll back or eliminate “Obamacare” as doing nothing to reduce the cost of healthcare costs for families was introduced and served as a springboard for discussion on various GOP bills that will truly reduce health care costs.

I had the first of what will be regular weekly luncheon phone conferences with the Mineral County Commissioners, which I hope to arrange with Missoula and Sanders County as well. This is to keep local government apprised of issues that will impact them and gives us a time to discuss the pro’s and con’s. I also asked them to bring to my attention any bills that will impact local government in any way. This week we discussed the Social Host Bill that I will be carrying and that is set for committee on January 20th. A group of students, who were the force behind my carrying this bill, will be traveling to Helena to testify on it.

We have many new “freshmen” legislators learning the ropes and those of us who have been through the process are busy helping them find their way. This is where the experienced legislator is at an advantage as we can jump right in.

We are strong in our message that this is the session to create opportunity and foster an economic climate that will bring jobs to Montana.

I appreciate all of you who take the time to be informed and involved in your government by writing, calling, testifying and contacting me with your issues and concerns.