Let's get to work!

The campaign is over, the yard signs are down, the votes have been counted and it’s now time to get to work. I want to thank the residents of House District 28 for the confidence you have placed in me to serve your interests in the Montana Legislature. While we may not always agree on specific policy considerations, I know we do agree that Havre and northern Montana deserve a fair shot in Helena when it comes to promoting an economy that works for everyone, assuring public access to public lands, rehabilitating our aging infrastructure and supporting our public school system.

As I prepare for the 90 day session that begins on January 2nd, I am pleased that I have been selected by House leadership to serve on the Appropriations Committee. This is the committee where all budget discussions begin and where the initial outline of the State of Montana’s biennial budget takes place. In short, the Appropriations Committee has first crack at determining what the budget priorities for the state will be for the coming two years.

Importantly, I will be serving as one of seven legislators on the Appropriations Long-Range Planning Subcommittee that will consider funding for everything from University System buildings to water and wastewater projects to environmental cleanup efforts to regional water systems to historic preservation and cultural investments. In the governor’s budget proposal, there is more than $7.6 million recommended for critical enhancements for the Havre area, including funding for the City of Havre’s water system, rehabilitation of Havre Beneath the Streets, Beaver Creek Dam repairs and upgrades for many buildings on Montana State University-Northern’s campus. I will fight to assure these important projects receive the funding they deserve and collaborate with my colleagues on both sides of the political aisle to keep them in the budget.

The decisions of any elected public official are always better when they are informed by hearing from constituents about important matters. Always feel free to reach out to me with your ideas, concerns and thoughts regarding the direction of the State of Montana and those public policy initiatives you believe merit attention. My legislative email address is [email protected] and during the session you can call to leave a message at 406-444-4800.

I also want to thank Rep. Ed Hill for his service over the past two years in the Montana House of Representatives. Public service is a serious, time-consuming commitment that requires sacrifice from both the elected official as well as their family. I applaud Rep. Hill for his commitment to representing Havre in the Legislature and thank him for his service.

Finally, as we enter the holiday season, I want to wish everyone a safe, warm and peaceful Christmas and the very best for a productive, prosperous 2023.

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Paul Tuss will serve in the Montana House of Representatives from House District 28 during the 2023 Legislature. HD28 includes the city of Havre and surrounding area.