Archive for Business & Labor
SB 250 - Fighting for Consumers
Posted by:SB 250, sponsored by Senator Dave Wanzenried was heard Monday before the House Judiciary committee. SB 250, titled “Strengthen Protection Against Counterfeit Marks or Logos” will protect business and consumers from counterfeit production of commercial products for sale here in Montana. Read More→
HB 582 - Training for Green Jobs
Posted by:HB 582, sponsored by Rep. Mary Caffero (D-Helena) was heard Tuesday before the House Business and Labor committee. HB 582, titled “Green Jobs Training Program” looks to provide for training programs, administered through the Department of Labor to assist displaced workers, or workers in need of job training in the energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy or reclamation sectors. Read More→
HB 408, sponsored by Rep. JP Pomnichowski (D-Bozeman) was heard on Friday, February 13, by the House Business and Labor committee. HB 408, titled “Presumption of Covered Diseases for Safety Officers Under Work Comp” aims to streamline workers compensation claims, and disability retirements when firefighters, emergency medical technicians and peace officers are medically affected by exposure to toxic substances in the line of duty. Read More→
One of the more debated bills during Thursday’s House session was HB 400 sponsored by Rep. Deb Kottel (D - Great Falls). HB 400 short titled “Revise alcohol content of beer” would allow brewers to expand their beer selections by brewing and selling beers with alcoholic content from 8.75 to 14 % by volume. Read More→
Representative Margaret MacDonald (D – Billings) is bringing change to the bio-fuel industry for small business’ and industry throughout Montana. In a press conference on Monday, MacDonald described hurtles that small farmers face when trying to process and use their own biodiesel. These bills “will make it possible for farmers and ranchers to form small business ventures and cooperatives” and thrive in Montana she said. Read More→
"I think that it’s going to all work out, with the changes that we have agreed to. It’s not as much (spending for some programs) as I would’ve hoped, but apparently it’s more than other people wanted. As usual, we are trying to find the middle.” 
"[On term limits:] You empower the executive, you empower the lobbyists and that's not good for the system because then we lose what the citizen Legislature brings.” 