Brown on Legislature

Everyone running for office last year promised property tax relief. We are nearing the end of session and very little is being done or debated.

The Governor has his pet bills, as do several legislators including some from the Flathead. Senator Carl Glimm, Chair of Finance and Claims, brought SB90 as one bill to bring property tax relief for residents. It passed the Senate and was tabled in the House. Recently there was a vote to bring it “off the table” and onto the floor for full discussion. A blast motion needs 55 legislators but this one only had 54 votes in favor with 4 legislators not voting on the motion.

One local legislator, Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, did not vote on the motion and could have been the number 55 needed. Why? If we bring several bills on similar topics they all end up in conference committees and tweaked. Legislators should not be afraid to vote to bring a bill up for discussion since that’s why they are elected.

As the end of session nears I am fearful that this kind of non-discussion will end in no real progress to the serious problem of spiking property taxes. Then we can all yell “Liar, liar, pants on fire!” when they try to explain their way out of it.

Instead some are touting a ONE BILLION DOLLAR slush fund to use for all good things in the future. They want to give the taxpayers crumbs while they eat cake. I am disappointed.

Dee Brown

Hungry Horse/ Former Senate and House representative