Montana lawmakers sworn in for 68th legislative session

HELENA — On Monday, state lawmakers returned to the Montana State Capitol in Helena for the primary day of the Montana Legislature’s 68^th session. It was a day of greetings, as lawmakers launched and reintroduced themselves to their colleagues. It was additionally a day of ceremony, as they took the official steps wanted to get legislative enterprise underway.

The Home and Senate each gaveled in at midday.

“Right now begins a brand new journey for every of you, to honor and serve others with dignity, belief, endurance, transparency and kindness,” mentioned Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, who presided over the preliminary ceremonies for the Home. “Each concept, dialog, committee and each vote can be in the most effective curiosity of Montana.”

Because the Home started their work, Reps. Neil Duram, Ross Fitzgerald, Denley Loge, Invoice Mercer and Kerri Seekins-Crowe sang the nationwide anthem.

Each chambers carried out full roll calls of their members. Then, representatives and senators took the oath of workplace, administered by District Courtroom Decide Ashley Harada of Billings within the Home and Montana Supreme Courtroom Justice Laurie McKinnon within the Senate.

Whereas Monday centered on pomp and circumstance, on Tuesday, it is going to be time for legislative motion. A whole bunch of payments have already been launched and assigned to committees, and the primary hearings will begin Tuesday at 8 a.m.

John Riley

After the swearing-in ceremonies, leaders from each events highlighted their expectations for the approaching session.

Republicans, who maintain a two-thirds supermajority, have talked about lowering laws, strengthening the state’s economic system and returning Montana’s finances surplus to taxpayers. Rep. Sue Vinton, R-Billings, the Home majority chief, known as on the celebration to remain united.

“To the members of the Republican caucus: We should stay steadfast in working collectively to attain the conservative mandate that our voters and Montanans have despatched us right here to perform,” she mentioned. “I’ve confidence in every of you right here at present, that collectively we are able to accomplish nice issues.”

John Riley

Democrats, within the minority, have known as for extra aggressive motion on points just like the housing disaster, baby care and well being care funding. They mentioned they’re keen to work with Republicans the place they will, however made clear there can be areas the place they’ll stand their floor.

“Senate Democrats are able to create the majorities we have to meet the urgent wants of our state,” mentioned Sen. Pat Flowers, D-Bozeman, the Senate minority chief. “We’re dedicated to work with respect for all of you and Montana residents. You can even count on our conscientious dedication to the rights and freedoms assured by our Montana Structure.”

This session is starting with 149 lively members of the Legislature, not the same old 150. One Home seat, representing District 80 in Lewis and Clark and Powell Counties, is at present vacant, after former Rep. Becky Beard, R-Elliston, was appointed to the Senate. County commissioners are set to nominate Beard’s substitute this week.