Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer’s office just sent out the following e-mail:
(HELENA) – Governor Brian Schweitzer today commended legislators for their hard work during the session and applauded the efforts made to keep money in the bank and still invest in some priorities.
“Overall this legislature came to town and did a lot under difficult economic circumstances,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “This session was about living within our means, keeping money in the bank, investing in priorities and implementing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.”
“I am pleased that we have more money in the bank than anytime in history. We may need it and this is the kind of fiscal management I have insisted on since taking office.”
“I caution folks that a lot of changes to very complex bills were made in the final hours,” said Governor Schweitzer. “I hope that it works, but it may not.”
The Governor listed K-12 education funding, funding of the voter approved children’s health insurance initiative, stream access, funding for 20X10, and carbon sequestration legislation as successes this session.
Expressing some concern over the amount of spending, Governor Schweitzer said, “We will also be taking a very close look at those bills that cost money – we said from the beginning this would feel like a belt tightening session. We will need to examine all expenditures to make sure we can afford them – just like Montana families we have to live within our means.