Greetings from Helena.
The big bill this week on the floor was HB 2, the budget. There are 5 parts to HB 2, so it took most of one day for the hearing and debate on the floor. We resisted several amendments, mostly by Democrats who wanted to raise the budget more. The main part of the budget is $10.3 Billion, with several companion bills coming along behind. I voted against HB 2 because it is way too much money. This budget is an increase from last session.
In Judiciary Committee we heard bills ranging from driver’s license suspensions to marshals in public schools to having gun safety education classes in schools. These bills all had interesting hearings. Every bill sponsor has the goal of making a law that better serves the people. But each time we change something it can also have a negative consequence. Votes on these bills are not always black and white.
On Friday, we tabled HB 658, Medicaid Expansion, in Public Health and Human Services Committee. My assumption is that it won’t be dead very long because all the Democrats and a few Republicans think it is fine to transfer wealth from some people to others. They also forgot the mandate that “We the People” gave in the voting booth in November.
It was good to see a lot of people from SD 18 this week.
I look forward to hearing from you regarding your questions or concerns. You can contact me by phone 406-989-1372, by e-mail [email protected], or by regular mail Senator Hinebauch Capitol Station PO Box 200500 Helena, Mt 59620-0500.
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