The session ends

This past Thursday was the last day of Montana’s 66th legislative session.

In the Senate, after passing some key bills to fund the state for the next two years, a motion was made to do something about tie votes in interim committees. As everyone was trying to figure out how that all would work, a substitute motion was made to “sine die,” and with that came a quick end to the session. Now, we wait to see what bills the governor is willing to sign.

I am happy to say there is money coming to this area for drinking water projects, sanitary sewer systems, wastewater treatment, storm drain systems, and some county and museum grants that will also become available. Just to mention a couple of the projects that are toward the top of the list: Town of Geraldine waste water, Chouteau County and the North Central Water System. All these projects and many more are listed in House Bill 14, which lays out how the state will proceed on maintenance and upgrading of infrastructure.

Being home and doing some cleanup on the farm has been a nice little break. This Sunday, however, the GOP has a gathering I am invited to, followed by invites the next two weeks. There is still plenty of work to be done.

Many have asked, “How is it in Helena?” The questions are not about the bills or laws being passed, but about life in and around the capital. From January to April, Helena is more than a city. Government takes on its own life, with many moving parts. First of all, we have a legislative staff that is top notch. In my three committees, bills, fiscal notes, informational packets, and everything else I need to do my job is always where it needs to be, and it’s the same when we go to the floor. The pertinent information seems to be right there.

My fellow legislators are a great group: men, women, rural (although few), urban, outspoken, quiet, and to the point, most trusted, and all working for Montana. The lobbies were most trustworthy, straight with information, and very helpful when gathering information. It is difficult to put “Helena” into words, but being in the center of government, information-processing, and decision-making for our state is awe-inspiring. Thank you all for your support and input these past four months. Yes, it is good to be home.

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