Legislature will make crucial choices
The way I see it in the next legislature many issues will have to be addressed that will have a definite impact on you, your families and the community. Many of these concerns do not have simple solutions.
There will be many factors to be considered that will have a crucial bearing on future legislation, such as:
? Jobs and Economic Development - we need incentives for small businesses to encourage growth and to attract new industry that diversifies our economy. Working together at the state and local level is the first step to provide economic opportunities we want for our families. A clear vision of where we want to go and a bi-partisan approach to solving the issues will enable Montana's economy to move forward.
? Funding and Education - To meet the funding needs of our schools while addressing a recent district court decision regarding school funding will definitely be a major priority. It might be possible to consolidate districts in order to save central administrative costs. This could be done without closing any schools while saving money on central administrative functions such as: contracts, transportation, building maintenance, etc. Also, the legislature needs to re configure basic funding philosophy regarding large vs. small school enrollments.
? Tax Reform - Develop a tax structure that is fair and balanced and that does not penalize our senior citizens and working families. Hold the line on tax rate increases. Protect our most prized possession, our homes, from unreasonable tax increases and develop incentives for affordable housing. Increase revenue by improving wages and productivity, not by raising taxes.
? Health Care - We are told that our state falls below the national poverty and health insurance coverage rates. The census Bureau reports that 17.3 percent of all Montanans have no coverage including 25,000 more uninsured than last year. people without health insurance do not go without health care. When they are unable to pay for this care, the hospitals and other health care providers pass these unpaid costs on to their paying customers. Although this problem is very complex, currently there are no incentives for health insurance companies to be advocates for the responsible, insured policyholder. We must ensure that there are incentives in place for all Montanans to afford health insurance and live health lifestyles.
? Veterans - Let's not forget our veterans. Veteran health care and issues have been put on hold too long. I will do everything possible to influence other state legislators and the federal government to bring the best quality of health care to the Flathead Valley. As a Navy veteran, I pledge to you that veterans and veteran organizations will always have a priority.
I think it is time that we begin to carefully review our institutions to determine whether or not they are cost effective instead of just adding to the burden of the tax paying community.
Bill Beck is a candidate for HD 4