Diversity evident in Montana State House
Many people don’t know that the state has been issuing a different look to some Montana drivers’ licenses since last July. This was news to me, also, since we don’t have teenagers at home nor do we card for liquor or cigarettes.
The new licenses for the under-21 crowd have much more information, better security and a new vertical format being phased in for future license holders. This should allow everyone to spot a fake ID much easier. The date of birth will be shown in three places on the new license, along with larger type for the viewer to see.
Long gone are the sharp X-acto knives in dimly lit dorm rooms crafting a new identity for you to flash at a clerk or bouncer. Dare we call them the “good old days?” As a child of the 60s I can say there may have been some of those entrepreneurs on campus. Most of us had to find a job to make it through college, and there was certainly a demand for diversity in the work force.
Legislators serving in 2009 come from all walks of life, too. My seat mates on the House floor (sitting on each side) will be a bar owner and a retired school board chairman. Other members of the 61st Legislature include small business owners, retirees, educators, farmers and everything in between … true diversity.
Though our backgrounds are different, our goals are the same. Representing the taxpayers and interests of each district and the bigger goal of coming away from session with a balanced budget during these uncertain times are our common goals. As we take the oath of office next week we will work for ninety days toward the end result.
Department of Labor officials have been in contact with me and other legislators concerned about the headache of calling in for unemployment insurance. The department has transferred more people to accept your calls and extended the hours you can call for benefits. This isn’t the perfect cure so I encourage those who have Internet to use the site: UI4U (Unemployment
Insurance for You) on www.dli.mt.gov and fill in the needed information.
Unemployed workers without Internet access can go to their nearest library and use a computer to file online. Local librarians have been helpful in the past for ‘teaching’ newcomers about the steps of getting on the Internet and directing you to the correct place. Just ask…
Beginning on Jan. 5, live online broadcasting of floor sessions will begin for the first time. The House and Senate meet in their chambers each afternoon at 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. most Saturdays. You can access the video broadcasts by logging onto the state Web site: www.leg.mt.gov/broadcast.
New hope and positive changes are always highlights of a new year. Let’s hope our economic woes will be cut short, our economy will turn around soon and people will be re-employed.
Families and businesses across Montana will count on the positives in 2009. May your new year be one of hope and better days ahead!
Dee Brown is the State Representative for House District 3.