At home during Transmittal Week

This week was a catch-up week at home completing all the farm-type things like oil changes and moving equipment. When spring hits, things need to be in the right place; and I need to make sure Judy’s car is ready for the next two months that I will not be home full-time.

I was in Havre Tuesday for the regular noon meeting, but this time I was in person and not on video. Members of the public were present, along with different agencies. Havre High School was represented by staff, the student Leadership High School, their program director, and the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce director. We visited about how bills move through the process, from introduction to being signed by the governor. What a great start for our young folks to get an idea of where leadership begins.

The subject of the day, and subsequent questions from attendees, seemed to center around the mail ballot bill, Senate Bill 305, for the upcoming election scheduled for May 25. The bill is a one-time bill designed to save Montana counties somewhere between $500,000 and $775,000 on this special election (Zinke). The Senate did pass the bill 37 yea and 13 nay votes. I was asked why there is a big deal being made. The truth is, I read all the arguments and did not see a reason for opposition, therefore, I voted for the bill. It is now in the hands of the House and governor.

Eliminating Daylight Saving Time is another hot subject currently in the Legislature. I have received many emails wishing to leave things one way or the other, with even more wanting to stay Mountain Standard Time year-round. More urban folks like daylight savings than agricultural folks. I did vote for staying Mountain Standard, but again, we wait for the House and governor.

I had the opportunity to visit with the CJI junior and senior classes and their teachers during this break. They had spent the better part of a day at the Capitol a couple of weeks ago, and we followed-up on the experience. Learning about and engaging in civic responsibility as a young person creates adults who are going to be stewards of our great state of Montana in the future.

It was a great week at home and I’m back to Helena today.

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Contact state Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester, at Sen.Russ.Tempel@mtgov.