Budget to Move to Full House Debate

The House Appropriations Committee, today voted along party-lines to approve the GOP budget proposal that would devastate our public education system and universities, hinder our public health system and raise tuition on Montana university students.

The tragedy of the Republican party’s proposed cuts is that they are totally unnecessary. Governor Schweitzer presented Republican leaders with a budget that is fully paid for, without raising taxes on Montana families.

Unfortunately, the GOP has chosen to stick their collective head in the sand regarding our state’s economic recovery in an attempt to justify their drastic cuts. The GOP has refused to acknowledge that revenue coming into the state is increasing. They also refuse to acknowledge the devastating impact their cuts would have on our economic recovery.

Governor Schweitzer has made it clear that the money to fund our state’s vital services is there and the cuts the Republicans are making to schools and hospitals is a reflection of their values.

Even the Helena Independent Record has called the GOP out for the games they are playing with our state’s budget.

The budget is slated for a full House debate later this week. Montanans are urged to contact their legislators and ask them to restore the Governor’s budget, and pay for the vital services that Montanans depend on.