Week 10 busy in state Legislature

This week, in Education Committee, we have had a number of bills that are pushing toward offering more career and technical education in schools. One of the bills has suggested CTE education start as low as fifth and sixth grades. The idea is noble, but in talking with a fifth-grade teacher, she felt the kids at that age are booked with their learning as it is. Then the cost, or fiscal note, is very costly. I can, and do, continue to support dual credit and work force training for juniors and seniors in high school. It is my belief that many students would benefit from an out-of-school work experience, or work-based learning. We had the building industry, plumbers, schools and electrical folks in committee testifying that there is no skilled work force available to work. These industries need help now.

The Energy Committee is addressing what is being called the Colstrip Bill, or the NorthWestern Energy Bailout Bill. We have seen a number of versions of Colstrip-type bills and many amendments to those bills. NWE did have to buy electricity during this past February, as their wind and solar energy sources were not available because of lack of wind and sun. Had they owned 150 more megawatts of Colstrip Power Unit 4, they would not have had to purchase as much. Coal pays taxes, NWE pays taxes, Colstrip pays taxes, and we all pay taxes. It seems to me that we have a big balancing act to make this all work. Do I have all the right answers? No. But I gather as much knowledge on each issue as I can, and I hope I get the right information to make the best decision when I vote.

One bill we heard in Tax Committee, I have to say, was an easy yes for me. The law will allow counties to abate property taxes on new and expanding businesses. This bill makes it clear county commissioners can enter into an agreement with a business prior to construction for an abatement. I believe that was what the law intended originally, but it stated the request for the abatement could only be submitted after construction began. Now, with the new law, there is no question the county is going to follow through with the agreement.

Helena is having great weather as I hope you are. Be safe!

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People can email state Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester at [email protected]