1-13-23

Friday evening already, another busy week in the bag. I may have failed to mention last week, I carried 2 bills for the Department of Transportation. The first bill I presented to the Transportation Committee was to simplify the reporting process individuals must go through to claim gas and fuel tax refunds for use in off road activities. Summaries of account activity generated by the retailer may be used as evidence of purchases rather than having to produce copies of each individual invoice. This bill will also streamline the process for the department, saving time and money. In 2017, the Bridge and Road Safety and Accountability Act, BaRSA, was passed. It increased fuel taxes about 6 cents a gallon with the promise that 50% of the increase would be sent to local governments. It turned out to be more burdensome and complicated to administer than anticipated for both local governments and the department. This bill reported out to the floor and passed 2nd reading yesterday. It will also cut down on red tape and complexity for both local government and the DOT.

Serving on the Appropriations Committee, I have been able to participate in almost daily meetings regarding budget issues. As reported last week the State of Montana currently holds a large cash balance of taxes collected in the current biennium, about $2.8 billion in excess of what we budgeted last biennium. Thursday, Representative Mercer presented a bill to our committee to return about a billion $ to the taxpayers who paid it in. It was an interesting hearing with all the Democrats wanting to spend it on social programs. I am having a bill prepared to return $1.5 billion, thinking that should be a minimum.

I have put on hold a bill that would require runoff elections when a candidate in a statewide election fails to gain over 50% of the vote. This is not an unusual occurrence and is used as a tool for vote splitting, usually being a Libertarian to siphon off Republican votes. Senator Hertz has a similar bill in process so no need to cause duplication. The main complication for this bill is that it requires a Constitutional amendment.

On Thursday the 19th, Congressman Matt Rosendale, will join us at the Capitol for a kickoff of the Montana Freedom Caucus. This 6 p.m. event will be available to view live at the Montana legislative website. I feel fortunate to be 1 of 14 initial founding members of the Montana Caucus. A number of states have started caucuses to be able to put forth a more organized and effective Conservative message. Tune in!

Reminder, high school juniors and seniors, get a hold of me or the Montana Legislative Services to get an application to be a page. This is a great opportunity to have a front seat at the legislature.

Thanks for the opportunity to represent House District 37!