Before Montana’s Legislature begins, lawmakers stake out positions on a variety of policies. Already, we’re reading about speed limits, alcohol laws, Medicaid expansion, the water compact and even dress codes.
It’s interesting to watch what emerges. And more often, with a Democratic governor and Republican Legislature, these first proposals foretell a bruising and toxic four-month period ahead. That may be the case, but perhaps we should focus a little more on the end results, which are far more boring.
In the run-up to the 2013 Legislature, there were several hard-fought primary and general elections. During the session, animosity lingered, especially among candidates irked after being targeted by Super PAC attack ads. Inevitably, there were whispers that the Legislature would stalemate over its most important duty — passing a state budget — especially in the waning days, when the Senate basically broke down.
As Republican leadership prepared to make final votes on a slew of bills, minority Democrats invoked an unusual legislative tactic called “call of the Senate,” which would block action until all 50 members were present. Fortuitously, Sen. Shannon Augure, D-Browning, had gone missing. Senate President Jeff Essmann, R-Billings, allowed the proceedings to move forward anyway as Democrats pounded on their desks.
Following the ordeal, former Kalispell Republican Sen. Jon Sonju said the “day will be etched in history, and not necessarily a good history.” The acrimony didn’t stop there.
Just days later, and with precious little time to pass a budget, GOP infighting spilled into public view. So-called “dark money” had divided the caucus all session, but when discussing a bill that would have implemented more rules on political groups that don’t disclose their donors, those divisions became personal. Republican leadership accused its more moderate members of trading votes with Democrats, while the accused told its leadership to name names.
After the state budget passed the GOP-controlled House and it adjourned, Senate Republicans initially refused to vote on it. But following a brief standoff, the chamber relented, approved the spending plan with three days to spare, and went home. High drama, except that’s how these things often end.
During the final days of the 2011 Legislature, when Republicans enjoyed majorities in both chambers for the first time in six years, Democrats blasted a budget that they said cut spending too deep. But the budget passed and Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer signed it.
The last time the theatrics in Helena remotely matched the results was in 2007, when on the 88th day of the 90-day session House Majority Leader Mike Lange delivered a profanity-laced tirade against Schweitzer that was captured on camera. That Legislature failed to pass a budget on time and a short special session was called so it could finish its job. And it did.
In a few weeks our citizen legislators convene. Montana, again, has a surplus. After Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock released his budget proposal last month, a Montana Republican Party spokesman said it’s another example of his “penchant for reckless, liberal spending.” Brace yourself for more of this.
There will be outbursts this upcoming session, and disagreements and disappointments and embarrassments. But if the end result is a degree of compromise to pass a budget that leaves money in our coffers, that’s a relatively successful four months. Despite a lot of rhetoric, most lawmakers will leave Helena despondent that they didn’t achieve everything they wanted. And chances are Montana will be on solid financial footing until the Legislature meets again in another two years.