Letter to the Editor - Representative Tuss' lack of communication

Editor,

A little over three months ago, I had talked with Rep. Paul Tuss about informing constituents concerning what was happening in the Legislature. He thought that was a good idea either through the Havre Daily or Facebook. This would allow his constituents to give timely feedback on bills. He also said he would send me an email on a better proposal for Property Tax solutions, which was never sent.

The problem is relatively little information from Rep. Tuss on bills going through the Legislature be it financial, or State Law. I appreciated his previous work for Bear Paw Development and being community minded but there is more to the Legislative session that all his constituents need to be informed about.

Some of the concerns of late are:

HB 745 — He posted a picture attending Easter Service, which seems contrary to the vote against HB 745. HB 745 allows students to have the Bible in Schools, reading of the Bible or having Prayer during the student’s free time. Why did he vote against the bill? What are his thoughts on other ethical/moral issues being raised in the Legislature and across Montana?

Every bill listed in the Havre Daily by Republican Rep. Kassmier, House Agriculture Chairman, from Fort Benton, Rep. Tuss voted against. Under Representative Kassmier on Facebook there is a March 15th post from the Montana Veterans Association. It was a press release thanking the Legislature “for refunding tax payer money, funding critical infrastructure, and cutting business taxes” that would help veterans across Montana. It is a nice post from our Montana veterans worth reading.

HB 2 explanation by Rep. Tuss in the Havre Daily comes at the end of the Legislative session after the bill had been passed by the House.

HB 2, 192, 222, 212 were financial bills passed and appreciated by our Montana veterans but voted against by Rep. Tuss.

HB 212 would ease tax rates on new equipment purchased by small businesses. Tax on new equipment was raised from $300,000 to $1 million to help small businesses. How does voting against this bill affect a farmer trying to buy a new combine or a new business trying to startup on main street?

Rep. Tuss, thank you for taking the time to represent us in Helena, but most of your everyday constituents have no idea what you are doing at the Legislature due to your lack of communication.

Jim Bennett, retired

Havre