Happy New Year

Dear Editor,

2024 Happy New Year!

As I watched the sun rise this first day of the new year, I was reflecting on this past year. Family and friends have all made an impact in Judy and my lives. I am thankful to everyone for the part you may have played in our lives these past years. As our state's House and Senate Districts have been redistricted and will be effective starting January 2025, I will be working with folks from the new area that was formerly Senator Mike Lang's district. I have been fortunate to have shared an office and was a seatmate on the floor of the Senate with Senator Lang. In addition to continuing to represent the hi-line counties of Liberty and Hill, I will now be representing the hi-line area west of Glasgow, which was so well represented in the past. Chouteau County and the northeast corner of Cascade County will no longer be part of District 14.

In the next year I do plan to continue getting out to meet with folks and getting to know the newly districted area's issues better. Senator Lang has offered to introduce me to some folks and businesses, and I am sure he has me on quick dial if needed during the next session.

As time goes on, we realize what is most important in life: family and friends. Laws are changed some for the better and others may be questionable. Taxes, for example, just what is fair and equitable? When there is a surplus and some legislators wish to return some or all of the State's excess revenue, opinions vary widely on what is fair and equitable. We had a call for special session, which was voted down due to not meeting the minimum of 76 "yes" votes needed. Only 55 legislators voted "yes." Having been involved with a special session in 2017, I was not looking forward to trying to solve an issue this large and which impacts so many Montanans in a two-day session. There was no doubt 50 some ideas on how to give that surplus back. Figuring out and agreeing to a solution in such a short timeframe would be much like trying to do a job in two days which would typically take four months-and then needing a majority consensus of the decision from 150 people. The task, while not impossible, is nearly so. To me, this is not the right way to make such important decisions.

I have come to realize just how important kids and grandkids are and how important it is to prepare them for life. Having my wife and four of my kids and/or their spouses involved in public education, I hope I understand this issue. As I watched education bills moving forward during the 2023 legislative session, it became clear some legislators wanted the state to take control over local boards. Now I believe there are no better folks to make sure our children get the education they need than local boards. These boards include local school boards, local museum boards, local library boards, and county commissions. These local boards are directly accessible to all of us, including our children and grandkids all year round. Should a group of legislators meeting every two years for 90-days dictate to these boards? You tell me.

I do want to thank everyone in current Senate District 14 for your support and encouragement in keeping our part of the State the best of Montana.

As always, stay safe and have a happy and healthy new year! Senator [email protected].

Sincerely,

Russ Tempel