Bonding Bill Gets Nod

Rep. Galen Hollenbaugh’s (D-Helena) so-called “Bonding Bill” received approval from the Senate Finance & Claims Committee today. The bill would give communities the opportunity to invest in critical infrastructure and facilities, as well as create much needed jobs throughout the state.

The bill now goes to the full Senate for a floor debate. It has already received approval from the House, however it was amended in the Senate, so if approved by the Senate, the amendments must be agreed to by the House.

The bill would create or improve facilities throughout the state, including the MSU-Northern Auto Tech Center, the Southwest Montana veterans’ home in Butte and the University of Montana’s College of Technology in Missoula.

Both Democrats and Republicans have supported this bill as it has progressed through the legislature because of its short-term and long-term impacts. In the short-term, it would give communities much needed money to build these facilities and therefor create jobs and boost the local economy. The bill also provides long-term economic impacts as much of the money in this bill is slated to improve our colleges and universities. This will ensure that we continue to have a well trained workforce to fill the jobs of the future.