HB 582 - Training for Green Jobs
ByHB 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.
According to Rep. Caffero, “HB 582 allows Montana to get ahead of the green curve, and quickly implement the training programs needed to get people back to work in well paying jobs.”
In light of current job losses both in Montana and nationally, programs designed to help people get back to work have particular importance. HB 582 provides such opportunity, and by focusing on green technologies this bill also creates an economic cornerstone that will benefit our state for years to come. HB 582 has tied 9-9 in committee.
"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.” 