People snarling over pit bull bill

This week there were several bills introduced in a variety of committees. Including trying to fix our workers comp in the state, stream access, fur trader regulation and tavern laws.

One of our big problems in the state is that Montana has the second highest workers comp rate in the nation.  Workers comp insurance is a mandated insurance that all employers provide for their employees. The insurance covers the employee for any accident that occurs during work related activity. The problem in Montana is that insurance premiums for employers are sky high. This stifles business and the hiring of employees. In this economy it’s an added burden on employers. The reason behind the high costs is that the rate of accidents per capita is one of the highest in the country. Some of the bills that are being presented are educational requirements for employers to adhere to safety standards. There are other bills that address benefit realignment.

On a slightly heated note, a bill was presented to ban Pit Bull Terriers. I have received several hundred emails from passionate pit bull lovers and haters across the country. I have read more about pit bulls and dogs in general than I ever could imagine! We hear the bill in the Local Government Committee this week. I will update everyone on its outcome next week.

Last year I ran on the idea of creating a building fund for capital improvements in K-12 schools. The idea was to have tax dollars from new energy development pay for the fund.  This way the burden of building new schools or updating schools will be paid for by new energy development tax dollars and, more importantly, won’t burden the local property owners. In my research I have found that the state has recently done extensive study on its public school buildings. The study shows that there is some $300+ million in deferred maintenance throughout the state. I also found that just such a fund has been created in the previous session. This fund currently has approximately $50 million allotted for such improvements. There is an appropriation sub-committee formed that will help set up the method in which these funds will be allocated.  I have asked to be placed on this committee and have been.  Hopefully we can increase this fund with revenue derived from new energy development and create a simple way to fund school capital improvements where needed.

Contact me via email at sreichner@centurytel.net or by phone at 253-3929.