Perry looks forward to second half

There is certainly no place like home. Every time I return after being away for a weekend or numerous months, I am filled with gratitude and a greater appreciation for where I am from.

After returning to House District 3 during Montana Legislature’s transmittal break, I was in awe of all the positive developments taking place.

The full spectrum recycling container for paper, aluminum, plastic and glass established by Xanterra, with news that they are using the recycled glass as part of construction for the Red Bus facility on Highway 206, will be a huge asset to Columbia Falls.

The Palette Cafe announcing plans to team up with Backslope Brewing this summer to serve lunch and dinner was music to my ears. The Three Forks Grille addition of an old-fashioned Italian deli with paninis and Italian sandwiches, as well as specialty meats, cheeses, pates and home-canned delicacies, makes my mouth water.

Another development I am particularly excited about is the Columbia Falls Community Market — the locals’ market. The expansion of Thursday market night in the central and highly visible location of O’Brien’s Liquor and Wines will prove to be a perfect venue for bringing folks together once a week to catch up, support local businesses and farms, and truly engender a sense of community. The CSA (community supported agriculture) drop for Two Bear Farm at O’Brien’s is also a game changer in making fresh produce accessible.

I have a lot of work left to do here in Helena before coming home and enjoying all these aspects of progress that local leaders are bringing to fruition. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact is coming to the House Judiciary Committee soon, and the stakes are high.

Medicaid Expansion is still alive, and it is imperative that we create and implement a plan to address the health care needs of the people of Montana. This week, we will be tackling House Bill 2, a leviathan of a bill that appropriates tax dollars to state agencies with hundreds of amendments. I will do my best to insure that our district is not overlooked in this process.  

Again, I would encourage your participation in the legislative process by giving me a call at 261-9642 with any concerns or issues of importance to you. You can also contact me through social media or e-mail me at rep.zac.perry@mt.gov. I am here to work for you.

Rep. Zac Perry, D-Hungry Horse, represents House District 3.