Reichner's Review: Legislative update

The 63rd Legislative session for the State of Montana is underway! As I enter my third term at the Capital I am anxious to serve and contribute to our great state.

We are anxious to begin working with our newly elected Governor, Steve Bullock. I have personally been able to meet with the governor a few times now and recognize that he is sincere and personable. Each new administration brings its views and agendas to government. Republicans are clearly giving time to the new administration to become acclimated. We have also begun to develop relationships with new department directors and their staff. There is a sense of “new beginning” that is very evident at the start of this session.

I have submitted several bill drafts this term with a wide range of topics. My first priority is for permanent property tax relief. The people of Montana have, once again, done more than their fair share, we have a surplus of money in the coffers of around $450 million. The governor has purposed a one-time refund of $400 to all property owners. My proposal is permanent reduction of $100 million for all property owners. HB 230 will need support from our citizens as there are many different groups lobbying for other types of uses for the surplus money.

Last year the former speaker of the house asked me and Representatives Ehli of Hamilton and Representative Bangarter of Helena to work on reforming the current Medicaid system. Over the past year or so, we visited most of the hospital administrations in the state, as well as several community health centers. We did this to educate ourselves on what doctors and CEO’s would do to better serve people who use Medicaid.

This issue has been very fluid. The U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Medicaid expansion in the middle of last year has upheld the expansion of Medicaid, but has also allowed each state to opt-in or opt-out of the expansion. To date, half of the states that have weighed in the topic have declined expansion and half have accepted.

This is a very divisive topic: one side wants to expand the coverage to those that don’t have health insurance, which would lower the skyrocketing cost of health care. The other side may think it’s a good idea, however they ask, who pays for it?

The federal government-spending crisis continues to be unresolved and expansion adds some $2.4 trillion dollars to the overwhelming $16+ trillion deficit. The biggest question remains unanswered, who will lead the way with spending cuts?

I am also carrying some election reform measures along with some constituent bills.

Please follow the Montana citizen Legislature on line at www.leg.mt.gov You can watch online, review bills and are always welcomed to email or call me at any time for questions or concerns, sreichner@cen turytel.net; 253-3929.