Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
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I am sorry to say that today’s update brings no good news. When I wrote the Legislative Update on May 4th just after the conclusion of the Legislative Session I had explained that SB 157 (Tax Reappraisal legislation) had been signed into law by Gov. Bullock and that more than likely it would cause the real estate taxes to be raised throughout most of Eastern Montana. Those of you who have received your tax bill already know this to be true. I have had phone calls from individuals whose tax bill has doubled, tripled and even quadrupled! Many o...
The 64th Legislature began last week with the formal ceremonies and swearing in that surround each new legislature. It is always a treat to see all of the families and children sitting in the galleries and walking in the halls. Many will endure weeks of separation so that their loved ones may spend the next 4 months doing their very best to serve the state. The first order of business that we took up in the Senate was to confirm Sen. Debby Barrett (R) from Dillon, as the first woman to serve as the president of the Montana State Senate. I was...
The Billings Gazette reported Wednesday that the Federal Government has decided to try and balance the budget by reducing payments to counties which contain Federal Lands. See “Montana counties take $20 million hit in spending bill” by Tom Lutey. Areas of our state which once had thriving economies and strong communities have been decimated by the mismanagement of these lands and prohibition on the use of those natural resources. Just as disappointing is the failure of the Federal Government to fulfill the obligation to our rural schools and pr...
The U.S. is faced with a unique opportunity to take energy matters into our own hands with the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. With more than 60 years’ experience, TransCanada is a leader in the responsible development and reliable operation of North American energy infrastructure including natural gas and oil pipelines, power generation and gas storage facilities. The Keystone XL pipeline was originally proposed by TransCanada in 2008, but it has faced a never-ending stream of political roadblocks preventing its passage. An impact r...