Archive for Committees
Pro-Gender Discrimination Bill Receives Nod
Posted by:Today, House Republicans gave initial approval to amendments the Senate made to a bill that would allow insurance companies to discriminate against customers based on their gender. This means, for example, a person could be charged higher insurance premiums for their home owners insurance simply because they are a woman (or man).
This is similar to bills that have been pushed for decades in Montana. In the early 1980′s, Montana passed a law that reinforced the State Constitution, by stating that gender can not be used as a determining factor in insurance coverage. Every legislative session since then Republicans have attempted to repeal this law.
The version of the law this year, has been amended so that it does not allow health insurance companies to discriminate based on gender. This change came in part because the Affordable Care Act, passed by Congress last year, prevents gender discrimination in health insurance.
However, the point remains; discrimination based on gender is wrong. A person should not have to pay more in home owners insurance or life insurance simply because of their gender.
This bill will be up for final approval in the House tomorrow. If the House approves it, it will move to the Governor to either sign or veto.
Freeing Up Recreation Lands
Posted by:On Friday, we told you about the GOP proposal that would make it harder for the state to acquire new public lands for fishing, hunting, camping and other recreation. This bill would establish a policy that would require the state to sell off hunting, fishing or recreation land, before they are able to purchase additional public lands.
Today though, Democrats were successful in their efforts to stop the bill. The bill failed by a 48-50 vote on third reading.
The failure of this bill, is a success for all Montanans, especially sportsmen throughout the state.
The bill is not officially dead yet though. Republicans have 24 hours to reconsider their actions. However, assuming this does not happen, this bill is likely dead.
Back to Their Tricks
Posted by:After returning from their spring break vacation, Republican lawmakers were quick to return to their old tricks to make it harder for Montanans to vote.
The House Republicans today gave initial approval to a bill that would restrict the types of identification voters can present to qualify to vote.
Currently, voters have several options in order to verify that they are eligible to vote. They can present a state issued ID or they can present a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub, voter registration card or any other government document that confirms the address of the voter. This method has worked pretty well. Montanans can easily access the ballot and there haven’t been any major problems with voter fraud. In fact, most election related controversies are when Republicans try to stop Montanans from voting.
This Republican bill will make it harder for Montanans to vote. It seeks to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. Under this measure, a state issued ID card would be the ONLY valid way to verify your address. This presents problems for a whole number of Montanans.
This bill is part of the Republican agenda to make it more difficult for Montanans to vote. Similar measure the GOP have pushed have been met by the Governor’s VETO branding iron.
Today, the Republican majority in the House gave initial approval to SB303, a bill that would restrict the state’s ability to acquire new public land for hunting, fishing and recreation land.
Under this bill, before the state could purchase new public lands, they would be required to receive approval of the Board of Land Commissioners. In addition, the purchase must not result in any net gain of land in the state’s possession. This means, that the state would be required to get rid of land before it could purchase new land.
This bill would open the door to wealth, out-of-state landowners to come in and purchase pristine Montana land and lock the public out.
In addition, landowners who allow the public to access their land often seek to sell this land very cheap to the state upon their death in order to ensure their land remains accessible to the public. The state would not be allowed to purchase this land, regardless of how cheap it is, without first disposing of other land they own.
The bill faced bipartisan opposition, however it still passed by a vote of 51-49. It will face a final vote in the House when the legislature reconvenes on Monday.
Apparently the majority of the Republican House believes the state already has enough hunting, fishing and camping space.
As usual, Rep. Wagner had a “unique” take on the issue.
GOP Backs $38 Million Tax Hike
Posted by:Today, Republicans in the House voted for a $38 million tax increase on Montana small businesses, renewable energy industry and families, marking the largest tax increase of the session.
This increase came in the form SB 253. This bill will eliminate certain tax credits energy efficiency, biodiesel development and mineral exploration. If Republicans vote the measure into law, it would result in nearly a $14 million tax increase by 2015.
More than 50 small businesses from throughout the state currently benefit from the tax credits and would be hurt by the Republican plan to repeal it.
Democrats have fought this measure, which is sponsored by Republican Senator Bob Lake, every step of the way. The bill must receive a final vote in the House before it can proceed to the Governor. It passed today’s vote by a 51-47 margin.
"We believe that the current budget, heading to the Senate Floor next week, unnecessarily pits Montanans against, creating winners and losers” 