Standing up for Montana Values

As Montanans, there are certain things we all value–a quality public education system, knowing our seniors, veterans and children are cared for and having an economy that works for all Montanans. These are the things Democrats in the Montana Legislature have been fighting for over the past 3 months and these are the things Democrats in the Senate continued to fight for today.

The most important bill of the session, HB 2, the state budget, came to the floor of the Montana Senate today. The Republicans in the House severely and unnecessarily cut funding to some of our state’s most vital services. This included a $32 million cut to our colleges and universities, cuts to the Healthy Montana Kids program and the refusal of millions of federal dollars that were designed to help our rural health centers serve their patients better.

Today, Senate Democrats were able to put some of that money back, including the money for our rural hospitals, as well as fully funding our tribal colleges. Unfortunately though, most of the services that Montanans depend on were did not have their funding reinstated to appropriate levels.

While the Senate is generally referred to as the deliberative body of the legislature, Republicans sought to jam their irresponsible budget through the body in record time. They are attempting to finish debate and votes on the budget in a single day. Earlier this session, the House took 3 days to debate the measure. Generally, the budget receives 4 days of debate before a vote. This is simply another example of Republicans ignoring the voice of the people and the impacts of their decisions.

Senators will likely be debating the bill until late tonight. Take a few minutes and thank your Democratic Senators for standing up for Montana values.