Good news from Helena for schools

I would like to report on House Bill 15, which is currently in the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Long Range Planning. Many in the district have asked me to report on this critical piece of the budget for Whitefish.

After having talked with my allies on the committee, I am confident it will make it into the budget. It represents close to $660,000 for Whitefish High School in grant money.

The Republican Caucus has also unveiled a workmen’s comp fix in legislation, carried by Rep. Scott Reichner,  R-Bigfork. We are excited for this huge piece of our legislative agenda for this session, as it allows for savings in cost to bring us from 11 points worse than the 49th lowest-rated state in the union to the 24th highest rated.

Cost savings of up to 40 percent from the over/under median rate will place us in the new ranking. The biggest savings come from a closure of medical benefits after 60 months, with appeals for severe disability, to allow for another 24 months. There are more details which I will post on my Web site and were released in a capitol press conference last Monday.

I will be in town for the Whitefish Winter Carnival parade on the weekend of Feb. 5 and hope to see everyone in town then. Thanks and I’m praying for fresh powder on the mountain.

Rep. Derek Skees, R-Kalispell, is the state representative for House District 4, urban Whitefish.