Salomon reports progress
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The 64th legislative session is now at the midpoint and we are on a short break. Transmittal means that all bills, except revenue or tax bills, must be approved by one of the legislative bodies and transferred to the other to be considered.
Most of the major bills are still moving. One major bill that is finished is one that provides school funding for the next several years for K-12 education. It was signed by Governor Bullock last Friday.
House Bill 2, which is the general fund spending or appropriation for the next two years, is due to be brought to the floor of the House after St. Patrick’s Day. It will be discussed and probably amended before it moves over to the Senate.
The Governor’s Medicaid Expansion bill is due to be heard on Friday. This is a main issue that will be in headlines for the next couple of months. There are also a couple of other plans that will be a part of the conversation. We have an opportunity to utilize state and federal resources to help Montanans who have no coverage. It will also involve helping hospitals and clinics, putting in place some very needed reforms and hopefully providing more job opportunities for Montana citizens.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact has advanced through the Senate and is now in the House. Sen. Vincent did a fine job of showing all the facts about this issue and shepherding SB 262 through the procedural roadblocks and poison pills that were placed in its way. We will also put the money back into the bill as it was amended out by the House budget committee.
Thank you to everyone who came out to ask questions last Friday night in Polson. Rep. Hertz, Sen. Taylor and I appreciate the opportunity to have personal dialogue with the people in our districts. I can also be reached at dansalomon12@gmail.com.
