Budget Slashed by GOP

The House Republicans today confirmed their desire to unnecessarily cut vital services that were paid for under the Governor’s budget. The GOP gave initial approval to their version of the state budget. Final approval for the bill will likely come tomorrow.

During the course of the budget discussions over the last few months, the GOP has made it clear, they are more concerned with pursuing their deep and unnecessary cuts. These cuts have targeted funding for K-12 schools, the Montanan colleges and universities, prescription drug assistance for seniors and children, just to name a few.

One high point of the recent budget debates was when Democrats were successful in their attempts to refund a veteran’s home in Columbia Falls. The GOP had previously voted to privatize the veteran’s home as a means to save state dollars. Unfortunately, this GOP policy would sacrifice the quality of care for our veterans who have bravely served our country. In addition, this GOP policy would likely have eliminated the jobs of 150 Montanans, only to replace them with lower paid and less skilled workers. This would have been detrimental to the Montana and Columbia Falls economy.

The GOP cuts also largely targeted university funding. Unfortunately, these cuts were not undone. This means if this budget is signed into law, college students throughout the state would see higher tuition rates. This, in turn would lead many students to seek their higher education elsewhere.

Once this budget receives final approval from the House, it’ll go to the Senate for their input.