Legislative Report

3-3-23

After a short morning floor session and 71 3rd reading bills, we adjourned the 45th legislative day and began transmittal break. First fun thing about this break is to knock out a short report then go take the Grandkids to the Flying Giant trampoline park before heading home tomorrow morning.

I’m not going to attempt to cover all the issues covered this week but rather focus on three bills that hit close to home in HD37. First HB 569 dealing with sheriffs, highway patrol and game wardens pensions. Each of these funds are under water, have been for a while and need fixing. Representative Moore, Billings, a retired CPA invested a lot of time coming up with a package that invests almost 100 million taxpayer dollars. New officers will still be able to retire after 20 years but may have to wait till age 50 to start drawing benefits rather than immediately as it is now. The bill also calls for increasing over time the amount that employers contribute to the fund. This obviously has created some concerns with sheriffs especially in regards to recruiting but is addressing a critical obligation of the State of Montana. I voted for this bill as we sent it over to the Senate.

HB 774 by Hopkins calls for having all elections on the same general election day. This would eliminate different and separate school, city, conservation districts, etc., elections. There has been considerable angst especially from county officials. Much of the impetus for this bill comes from notoriously poor turnouts for the various elections not held on general election day. I voted to send this bill to the Senate where it will get scrutinized more closely and likely see some significant changes if it survives.

HB by Cafferro is an attempt to raise the Medicaid reimbursement rate affecting nursing homes by raising the rates based on a study done by a consulting firm hired by the Department of Health and Human Services. It passed the House on 2nd reading last night and now comes to the Appropriations Committee. This is an issue that does have a pressing need and has been part of the focus of the Section B Subcommittee chaired by a very able Bob Keenan from Bigfork. I voted against this bill recognizing that we were already addressing the issue in Appropriations in a more comprehensive manner. The vote was an opportunity for the whole body to show their support for their local nursing homes.

There’s lots more I could address, but I’m calling it a day! As always, I appreciate the opportunity to serve the people of HD37! I also appreciate hearing from the people of the district, or anywhere else that may have an idea or concern. I intend to attend a legislative forum in Miles City Sunday, March 5, 4 p.m. at the VFW.

For Freedom, Representative Jerry Schillinger, HD37 406-974-2478, Jerry.Schillinger@legmt.gov