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Legislative Leaders Reject Special Session on Infrastructure

Republican lawmakers in Montana say little has changed to warrant a special session

By Tristan Scott
Reps. Carl Glimm, left, and Greg Hertz discuss the infrastructure bill during the 65th Legislature in Helena on April 26, 2017. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon

HELENA — Leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature say they do not support convening a special session to reopen discussions on a package of infrastructure projects.

In a statement released Tuesday, leaders of the Montana House and Senate say very little has changed to warrant a special session, which is being explored by some moderate Republicans who joined Democrats in pushing for a bonding bill during the recently completed legislative session.

Supporters failed to muster a supermajority in the House to win passage of a $78 million bonding plan to pay for renovating Romney Hall at Montana State University in Bozeman, a veterans’ home in Butte and other state building projects.

Republican leaders said it would cost more than $340,000 to hold a five-day session.

According to Legislative Services the cost of a special session is approximately $106,794 for the first day and $58,547 each additional day. The first day is more expensive because it includes the round trip mileage.