68th Montana Legislature Opens: Local Legislators In Attendance

Both Senator Mike Lang and Representative Casey Knudsen will pay active roles as the 68th Session of the Montana Legislature convened on Monday morning. Both natives and graduates of Malta High School, they are prepared to handle bills that are introduced as well as introduce some of which they are the sponsor or endorse.

Heading into the new year, Sen. Lang feels one of the challenges will be managing the $2 billion dollar surplus.

Sen. Lang said, "The Montana budget is fine. Two sessions ago we created the budget stabilization plan to keep some dollars for needs. This stabilization package is in place and fully funded." He further stated, "Montana Constitution requires we balance the budget for the next two years. Montana has a present day surplus which we need to manage for the needs of today and in the future."

The Senator represents approximately 10,000 voters and his Senate District is approximately 896,000 acres. He represents Senate District 17 and all citizens east of the Milk River in Hill County and north of Hwy 2 through Blaine, Phillips, and Roosevelt counties, and all of Daniels County to Sheridan County to the North Dakota border.

"That is about 290 miles as the crow flies from east to west," Senator Lang said.

One belief that Sen. Lang holds on to is, "We need to manage the government more efficiently. I will continue to support the needed increase in public wages of a dollar basis, not a percentage increase."

Asked if he anticipated any changes this year, he responded, "Everyone wants money, but I will work to take care of the needs first. Of course, all needs are in the eye of the beholder. The surplus of tax revenue the State has will be harder to manage."

This session he has the pleasure of serving as chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Committee.

"As a Joint Appropriation/Finance & Claims subcommittee member, my preview will be the long-Range Planning Committee. St. Mary irrigation water is still a priority."

He will be carrying interim committees for funding 58 Conservation Districts across the state. He has a bill to bring funding for the maintenance of county roads; in addition he will be coordinating action for the Montana Grass Commission and grazing districts.

Sen. Lang stated he welcomes your input and concerns. He can be reached on his cell phone 406-654-7357 or via email: Mike.Lang.legmt.gov.