News you can use
News you can use
Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester, stands with his legislative page from last week, Havre High School senior Paige Bertelsen. "This was an experience that was incredibly fun and insanely educational," Bertelsen said.
As I started week six, Judy and I had the opportunity to have a 2023 Senior from Havre High join us for the week. Paige Bertelsen signed up to be a 68th legislative page for the Senate, and I was honored to sponsor her. Paige was recommended by a teacher of Havre High, Lindsey Ratliff. I hope Paige had fun and learned as much as I have fun sharing and learning with her. Paige had the chance to witness one of the most lively debates I have ever seen on the floor of the Senate.
The debate, which I just mentioned, was for Senate Bill 99 brought out some real emotions on the floor. The fire came from both sides of the subject, as to whether or not to allow life-altering gender processes for children younger than 18, which could include things like a sex change operation or to use chemicals. Had the bill stopped there, it would have been agreeable with many. However, it went a bit too far according to some, as the bill imposes penalties for doctors, who would be subject to prosecution for such practice. I visited with a couple of doctors and health care facilities to ask about the possibility of losing health care providers over this. For the most part, they thought the bill did more good than harm, but felt the bill was poorly written and should be cleaned up. In speaking with the sponsor about the bill, he felt he got the point across, but he is willing to address a few of the issues that were brought up during the debate. The bill passed through the Senate and goes on to the House. If you have an hour and a half to spare, go to http://leg.mt.gov and look up SB 99 to access the video.
On a fun note, firefighters from all over Montana were in the Capital last week. The group had a gathering for the Legislature. A couple of the fellows from Havre stopped to visit, and I had a few minutes to show them around the Capital. I meet so people and try to write down names, which I did, but cannot find the note. Sorry guys, email me and I'll get you in the book.
As always, stay safe!
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State Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester, can be emailed at Russ.Tempel@leg.mt.gov. He asks the mailer to include their county in the subject line.
See a photograph of Bertelsen and Tempel at https://www.havredailynews.com .
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