On a day that honor was tarnished in the legislative branch, we learned that Chief Justice Karla Gray will not seek re-election to her post.  Her Honor has served the people of Montana with dignity and respect in a non-partisan position which has taken criticism from across the political spectrum.  Her Honor has administered over a branch which has seen many changes & growth the past eight years, including an much needed (& continued) technology upgrade to the absorption of the district & youth court system.  She has met these challenges and many others in her own style, while maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the Judiciary.

There was Honor in Helena yesterday.  Thank you, Chief Justice.

Unbelievable.  Schweitzer's popularity just rose 5 points.   

 Rep. Michael Lange, R-Billings, told a meeting of fellow Republicans that the Democrats are negotiating like "Communist Russia" and "Red China," and that talks had reached an impasse. Then Lange launched into an attack on the governor, calling Schweitzer an "S.O.B."

Schweitzer, who was not present, was diplomatic in responding, saying he still respects Lange and plans to continue working with him. The governor said Lange was diplomatic during an early morning meeting in which tax legislation was discussed.

There was also a "stick it up ...." comment as well. 

The D's couldn't script this any better.    

Another tax relief suggestion in the last days

Cooney said he also presented Lange with some possible ideas on how the Legislature could offer more one-time tax relief by using the projected additional $60 million that the Legislature's chief revenue forecaster, Terry Johnson, believes is coming in.

Cooney said he suggested putting a trigger so that if the money came in as predicted, the state could sweeten Schweitzer's proposed one-time, $400-per-household property tax rebate.

Must be the Governors Birthday

When Montana's legislative session 1st started, MOTTO posted the link under "the twilight zone", and this session has certainly proven why.  As the final few days of the regular session wind down, expect as just many head scratching moments as we have seen up to this point.  What exactly will happen?  While no one can predict specific outcomes at this juncture, two critical elements of the process will play themselves out; the conference committees and the respective caucuses. 

With 4 budget bills and at least 3 major tax bills, the conference committees will play an even more significant role.  In the past, HB2, the budget bill, had one conference committee.  A cut or an addition in one area meant a revision in another.  Tedious, but effective.  With 4 separate budget bills, it will be more difficult to make the necessary revisions.  Additionally, look for the conference committees on the budget bills to share key members.  Don't be surprised if the Senate Republican named to these conference committees are Cobb, Laible, or Lewis.  

Brokering a reasonable republican tax policy compromise is more likely under the stewardship of Senator Story & Representative Lake, rather than Majority Leader Lange.  Story is arguable the most knowledgeable member of the Legislature when it comes to tax, particularly the inter-relationship & implications to state, local, and school district governance. 

Finally, the remaining 125 or so legislators who will be waiting to vote on the conference committee actions.  Expect each party in each house to caucus early and often.  Legislators will be presented with committee action, the why and the how to vote on particular bills.  Debate will be organized and perhaps even scripted.  The biggest challenge at this late stage is maintaining the bloc of votes.  Representative Jore, as he was during the original budget debate, will be a key figure, as will moderate republicans and democrats (if they choose to be).  

Oh, and don't be surprised if there is a "Twilight Zone" ending, or endings.....      

 

Two for one.  Kawasaki presents his 10 questions to Seth Godin as Godin's latest book The Dip is released.  Two of MOTTO's favorite entrepreneurship bloggers do not disappoint.

Question: Do most companies quit too early or try too long?

Answer: Lucky for us, it’s both. They quit when they should be sticking: when they hit the Dip. And they stick when they should be quitting: when they’re on a dead end, when they’re stuck, and when it feels safe. I say lucky for us because this behavior makes it easier for those of us who can see a better way.

and for the political junkies, see question number 10.

The legislature is certainly worried about what the Governor is going to do, not going to do, or may do.  That's a problem.  In an earlier post, MOTTO suggested the executive branch overstepped its role in an amendatory veto, clearly making a policy decision absent the legislative branch.  Now, the House is holding action on the budget, awaiting the Governor to sign tax bills.  Both branches need to do what they were sent to do, not the others job. 

The legislature has the responsibility to send legislation to the Governor, regardless of what he may or may not do.  Whether or not the executive signs a particular bill is moot, they have a responsibility to complete on behalf of the people of the state of Montana. 

The legislature can hold the executive feet to the fire following the session, whether that be politically or a special session, and visa versa. Now is the time for both to complete their respective tasks.

MOTTO has generally steered away from the debate regarding Highwood Generating Station (HGS) coal-fired power plant.  Over the past year, the issue has grown in a fairly significant way in North Central Montana.  It is certainly no secret that I support energy development and generation, including coal, wind, and ethanol, all of which at one time or another was (or is) to have a positive effect on the region.  The HGS debate has evolved, and now appears to have very distinct (& divisive) avenues of thought.

The pro HGS factions include

• Government: City, County, School District, Airport Authority
• Larger business
• Rural Co-ops
• Economic development & pro-growth advocates
• Public power advocates

Those opposed are distinct as well

• Anti-coal generation, period
• Pro- clean/green alternatives, such as wind
• Process driven opponents concerned with government & tax payer dollar involvement
• Combination
• The PSC & Northwestern Energy

Public power versus "clean/green" energy versus government accountability versus the state's default supplier.  There are plenty of issues to discuss.  Electric City blog has taken on the government accountability issue very substantially.  Groups have formed specifically to oppose the coal aspect, and the city has continued to advocate amidst the negativity.  What has been lost in the discussion is the public power debate.  Hopefully an examination of these issues will illuminate both sides of the discussion.  More to follow.       

The tax credits for transmission of & clean coal technology have the support of key democrats & republicans, as evidenced by the amendments to bills in the house & senate tax committees.  Good news for democrats & the Governor, and perhaps a bit premature for the republicans.  Who plays poker and shows their hold cards before the turn? The house R's blinked.

Say What? 

Compromise is in the eye of the beholder.  The latest "compromise" tax bill passed out of committee on a party-line vote. No real permanent tax relief and a number of failed tax proposals crammed in.  Boy, that votes a surprise.

Again with the free license for fuel efficient cars nonsense.  Take a stab at Matt's question and put that money toward CHIP eligibility.  Same goes for the renters tax credit. 

Taking a term from geeguy, Great Falls is indeed Montana's ugly stepsister.  Don't be surprised if Northwestern's 1st energy plant is near Roundup.

There are three branches of government, each playing a pivotal role in the governing of our state.  The recent amendatory veto on HB426 crossed that fine line. 

The title of HB426:

AN ACT REMOVING THE $500,000 LIMIT ON A COUNTY'S ROAD AND BRIDGE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND

The entire bill is literally 2 lines long. Stream access as found in SB78 has 6 new sections & amends 2 others. The title alone is 4x as long as HB426. Clearly, the new stream access language does not fit within the scope of 426. The Code Commissioner, the chief legislative lawyer, stated the amendment was outside the scope.  As positive as the veto is, as much as it would rectify the impasse in the house, it is an abuse of the amendatory veto, the separation of powers.

Now, I fully support SB78, the stream access bill.  It should pass and receive better consideration than it has.  It is the job of the legislature to make that policy decision and pass SB78 or amend such language into a similar bill and pass on to the Governor.