Lots of comments coming in on legislation

Apparently, this last Thursday there was a positive COVID test in the Capitol. I was notified late in the day Thursday, and, as of this writing, what will happen this coming week is up in the air. Friday’s Senate floor session and committees were not held. It has given me free time to catch up on communications.

I have been getting so many emails this last week for a variety of bills, many in support of or against the same bill. It is clear which bills are controversial to all. With this unprecedented number of emails coming in, I do need to hunt for sentiment on specific bills and amendments on which we are working. I do get great input and thank everyone for that. Last week was the first time while working on a project that my email and voicemail were inundated with messages. So, if you have left me a message or called and hit a full voicemail, sorry. I just cannot keep up. Therefore, when we finish session and you see me out in public, let’s visit.

As for the state budget, HB 2 has passed the Senate, but with amendments. So, it must now go to a joint conference committee for sorting out the intent of sponsor. Federal COVID-19 relief funds are the next monies needing to be introduced and allocated. A number of us suggested this new COVID money should go to state projects that have been postponed or are sitting on hold. HB 632 is a bill dealing with $2 billion, yes, billion. I was hoping it would all go to infrastructure, but a part of it is going to Department of Public Health and Human Services. The discussion for the bill first explored shovel-ready projects.

To look at that bill and any others, go to http://leg.mt.gov and select “Look up Bill.” From there, choose the type of bill, then the number. Speaking of bills, the bill I sponsored, which put in place a Memorial Highway for slain Liberty County Deputy Sheriff Otto Fossen was signed by the governor on Friday. The signing was attended by a number of Otto’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

I hear spring work is going strong and proceeding nicely. Be safe.

——

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