As the 2021 legislative session voted sine die on Thursday, April 29th, the 67th legislative session of the Montana Legislature came to a close. To say the session was unique would be an understatement, from the beginning to the end, this session was unlike anything anyone had experienced. I’m sure it is impossible to recap the session in one article, so I plan on doing … [Read more...] about Recap of 2021 legislative session, part One
The pieces of the HB-2 Puzzle
In my opinion the best way to describe the Herculean task before a small working group in Appropriations is like putting together two 1000 piece puzzles and one 500 piece puzzle, all with interconnecting pieces. Some pieces work in all three puzzles while others work in two and some only work in one. Trouble is, they are all the same color pieces. As of this morning, we have … [Read more...] about The pieces of the HB-2 Puzzle
Legislature Hits A Bump
You may have read or heard that the Legislature took an unexpected couple of days off. What happened was that a lobbyist had a few legislators over for a couple of meetings and then he tested positive for COVID-19. When that happens a contact tracing is attempted and in this case up to 15 Representatives were at his gatherings. The number depends on who you talk to about the … [Read more...] about Legislature Hits A Bump
Four big issues dominate the legislature
As the legislature heads into the 17th week of the session, four issues are looming large. They are, HB 2, HB 632, marijuana bills and tax bills. Let’s take a look at all of them. As is usual, HB 2 has been on the scene since the beginning of the session and will continue pretty much until the end of the session. HB 2 is the budget for the State and, as such, deserves our … [Read more...] about Four big issues dominate the legislature
HB 632 Comes Together in Appropriations
I have mentioned HB 632 before but its progress has been unknown until this week. I will recount the work on the Beast as we know it. I have had the opportunity to be in the many meetings held during the last two weeks, including every Saturday and Sunday. First, let me bring one misconception to the surface. We do not have 2.74 billion dollars to apply as we see fit. This … [Read more...] about HB 632 Comes Together in Appropriations
