www.MontanasTrailhead.com

Rep. Matt Rosendale, who represents House District 38, gives a weekly update.

I started this week off with a presentation in front of the Senate Natural Resources Committee for HB 402. I carried this bill through the House and it protects proposed sand and gravel operations from zoning regulations which are enacted after they have begun the permit process. I received good feedback and am optimistic about it moving forward. This type of legislation allows us to develop our resources and create jobs.

 This week brought me a lot of visitors. On Tuesday morning I attended a Farm Bureau breakfast with Bill Rehbein from Sidney.  Senate Pres. Peterson and Senator Steinbeisser both spoke and many legislators were in attendance.  On Wednesday evening I attended an event for the Montana League of Cities and Towns. I had a nice visit with Mayor Jimison from Glendive and we discussed bills that effect the extensions of utilities, medical marijuana, and the impacts from the array of energy development projects that are proposed. To close the week out I was surprised to bump in to Pat Mischel in the Capital. He was in town visiting and came over to “keep us in line”. We are debating the budget on the House Floor Friday, Saturday and Monday so he can witness first hand how every penny is being spent.

One decision that disappoints  me is the failed attempt this week to require the state to bid out the services at the Columbia Falls Veteran Home to private providers. At present, the Vet Home in Columbia Falls is being run by the state. It cost them $289 per day per patient. Meanwhile, the Glendive Veterans Home, which is operated by Glendive Medical Center, cost the state $67 per day per patient. Both facilities provide nearly identical services . This is the best or worst example of how much more efficient the private sector is able to run certain industries. An attempt was made to pass legislation that would require the state to put the Columbia Falls services out to bid. Estimates  put savings in the neighborhood of $7 million a year.  A successful effort by some self serving individuals was made to spread misinformation about closure and reduction of services at the Columbia Falls facility. This generated so much negative feedback that the House was unable to keep this proposal in the budget. Instead it will be studied for two years and hopefully it can be bid out at that time.  

We were able to pass a Joint Resolution this week which will go on to the Senate and then if supported by them on to the Gov. for a signature. SJ 9 is a Parental Rights Resolution. It recognizes that parental rights are paramount to the family structure and the family structure is the foundation of our society.  This resolution request these rights be protected by the U.S. Constitution. This is necessary as there are ongoing efforts by some U.S. officials and individuals in the United Nations and other international organizations to eliminate or minimize parental rights.

Sometimes it’s just the little things. We passed SB 51 this week which eliminates the requirement from a judge to watch the lottery drawings.  When first established, the drawings for the numbers were made by small ping pong type balls similar to a bingo machine. A judge was needed to witness and make sure everything was conducted legitimately. Now, these numbers are selected randomly by electronic means, no more bouncing balls. No more judge needed. Savings $12,000 annually. It all adds up.

Thursday evening I attended a dinner which included a forum for all five Republican Gubernatorial candidates. Rick Hill, Ken Miller, Corey Stapleton, Neil Livingstone and Jim O’Hara. I wanted to take advantage of such a great opportunity to listen to so many candidates, so early in the campaign, all in one place. It is easier to compare them, and to see if their message stays consistent as time goes on. Each of them did a fine job however it was a friendly audience and it will be interesting to see how well they do in different settings.  Republican candidate for U.S. Congress Steve Daines  was there as well and gave a summary of his goals and qualifications.

We are scheduled to finish debate Monday on HB 2 which is the total budget.  On Tuesday we will return to our regular committee and floortime schedule. As always please contact me with questions or concerns at 406-444-4800 or email at mattrosendale @ midrivers.com

Rep. Rosendale represents House District 38 which includes the Miles City and Glendive areas. Find his legislative profile and contact info here.