My honor to sponsor Senate page

This past couple of weeks, Judy and I were blessed to have family here to visit and show the grandkids the Montana State Capitol. Mari and kids here from Washington and Maci and kids from Wyoming. It was too bad their spring breaks weren’t at the same time. Judy and I really enjoyed their visits.

It was my honor this week to sponsor a CJI student as a Senate page. Samantha May did a great job. Wednesday, myself and a number of other legislators, a lobbyist and staff sat at a luncheon for a brief question and answer forum for the pages. All four individuals had a chance to tell a highlight of the week and ask questions of anyone in the room. I was impressed with the dynamic exchange. While visiting Saturday after the floor session, Samantha did indicate that the experience was very educational, and I was happy to see her enthusiasm while at work.

Thursday was set aside for House Bill 2 in the Senate. This bill is the road map for balancing the Montana state budget. As always, there is give and take, some dazzling semantics, some getting out-played, and mostly good work by many. A number of amendments were introduced, but only one was adopted. That was an indication to me that the House did a good job. HB 2 did pass second reading on the Senate floor, third reading will be this week. Also, the House passed the Medicaid expansion bill, which will be moved over to the Senate.

I have fallen behind in my emails, for which I am sorry. We are currently being inundated with emails from all sides, but I prioritize constituent emails as often as possible. I am working on catching up. If I miss getting back to anyone, I apologize.

Spring work is ramping up, so please be safe!

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State Sen Russ Tempel, R-Chester, can be emailed at [email protected]