GOP Continues Their Unnecessary Cuts

Despite all the facts, Republicans in the legislature have continued their false claims that the Montana economy is in shambles, and they’ve used these claims to justify their unnecessary cuts to Montana’s schools, hospitals and other vital services for the state.

This morning though, Lee Capitol Bureau reporter Mike Dennison called out the GOP claims. In his article, Dennison made it clear that Montana’s economy is improving and if the GOP seeks to legislate responsibly they should take an honest look at the current state of the economy.

The GOP has made it clear they have no interest in putting forth a responsible budget though. Democrats have pushed for the legislature to adopt an official revenue projection so they know exactly how much money the state has to fund these vital services. Unfortunately,  Republicans have opposed these measures every step of the way. The Republican actions are the equivalent of a business owner only looking at their expenses and not the money they’re taking in. It doesn’t make sense in business and it doesn’t make sense in government.

The fact remains, the Governor has proposed a budget that is paid for and doesn’t cut vital services to Montanans. He was able to do this because of responsible stewardship of the state economy for the past few years.

Today, during a meeting of the House Appropriations committee, when Democrats pushed to hold off on cuts to the Governor’s budget until current revenue estimates were available they were rebuked by Republicans on the committee. Republicans know that there is no justification for their drastic cuts based on the current economic situation in the state.