Inquiring Minds Want to Know

Just a quick update. We had our HB 408 hearing in front of House Appropriations on Tuesday, and we felt that it went well. All persons testifying were asked to limit their testimony to the fiscal concerns of their bills, so that took us out of our game plan a little, but it is not uncommon as all bills at this time have all been heard in committee and on the House floor. In the case of our bill and it's long journey to where we are at, it has been heard twice in committee and twice on the House floor. So far we are batting .500, with the wins having been more important than the losses. All of the team did an outstanding job in preparing for House Approp's, and those that testified on our behalf refuted the oppositions numbers that they previously testified and lobbied on.

The opponents consisted of the State Fund (more on them via e-mail at a later date), MMIA (employers insurance carrier), MACO (MT Assoc. of Counties), lobbyist for the City of Missoula, and three volunteer chiefs.

We will be working this very hard up til Executive Action which is friday am, as will they, and may need your assistance. We will let you know.

There are alot of other things going on here in Helena, and after committee action we will fill you in via e-mail.

A BIG THANK YOU to all our members across the state for your support and words of encouragement through the e-mails and phone calls, and a BIGGER Thanks to those that are covering shifts for us while we are here in Helena. Believe me when I say that there are definitely days that I would rather be be home riding the BRT and being with family and friends, than being here in Helena.

Stay Safe and keep in touch,

Doug

Posted on 3/5/2009 12:38:59 AM