Hello from Helena. We have finished the first week after transmittal (exchanging bills with the Senate). The hearings in committees now are almost all for bills, which have had previous hearings in Senate committees, debate and two positive votes on the Senate floor.  These bills have been vetted and are the survivors.

Exceptions are hearings for House bills that spend money and have not yet been discussed in House committees.  These bills must have hearings and clear the House floor by March 26.

 One example of this type of legislation is the Distance Learning Project. This bill, which passed the House, funds Internet classes for K-12 students and will be available to all schools in the state as well as home school students. The result of several years of work by Montana’s education community, this bill passed the House by a wide margin. This will enable students in small schools to have access to a variety of classes that are often only available in larger schools. Local school boards will maintain control over offerings and use of this option for their district.

 Another education bill did not clear the Education Committee on which I sit. This bill would have generated supplemental funding for Head Start programs in Montana. Montana is one of the few remaining states that does not contribute to this highly successful federal program. The committee locked up on a partisan 8-8 vote.

 The basic money bill for Montana’s next two years (HB2) is scheduled for debate on the House floor March 16-17. The Appropriations Committee, led by Jon Sesso (D) Butte, is committed to achieve what is called structural balance in state funding. This means the projects receiving money are those that can be paid with existing revenue - an essential part of funding government.

 A new committee is asking the Department of Revenue to look at five scenarios to deal with property reappraisal. Please pay attention to your agricultural land use photomaps and productivity estimates. The State Department of Revenue office in Polson has been very helpful to people with questions and concerns.

 Finally, I was more than pleased to introduce to the House a past representative from Lake County. Ervin Davis of Charlo, who served from 1989-1993, visited Helena representing AARP and treated me to a dinner and an evening of conversation. It was quickly clear Ervin was well known, respected and a popular legislator. By his own admission and the remembrances of many, Ervin was one who insisted on common horse sense in state government.

 I appreciate contacts and visits. My cell phone is 207-3188 and e-mail is fleming@stignatius.net. Please include a physical address in e-mails.