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The state’s Commission on Sentenc- ing on June 23 began considering more than two dozen policy options o ered by the Council of State Governments, a national nonpro t that advises local gov- ernments on public policy. But the com- mission is far from reaching consensus on recommendations, including draft- ing new legislation that could alleviate the overcrowding.
Researchers from the council’s Justice Center told the commission that the state could cut spending on jails and prisons by reducing the number of repeat-o enders and those who violate parole, which the researchers suggested sometimes lasts far too long.
The council’s Justice Center launched a review of Montana’s criminal justice system last November and has suggested the state consider revamping presen- tencing guidelines, eliminating manda- tory minimum jail sentences on some o enses and look into how tra c o enses are handled.
Overcrowding at jails and prisons is “an indication that something is amiss in this bulge in the prison population. But that bulge is throughout the system,” said Carl Reynolds, a senior legal and policy adviser for the Justice Center.
The state’s prison system has a capac- ity for about 2,550 inmates, but housed more than 2,580 inmates as of June 23, according to state prison o cials. That means some prisons could be doubling up inmates in some cells.
Montana has the highest rate of jail incarceration among states in the north- ern Rockies and northern plains, accord- ing to U.S. Department of Justice.
HELENA
5. Veterans A airs Names Interim
Director for Montana
U.S. Department of Veterans A airs o cials have named an interim director for the VA Montana Health Care System.
Kathy Berger began her 120-day assignment on June 23, replacing John Ginnity. Ginnity announced his resigna- tion earlier this month.
Gianforte, who is making his rst run for public o ce, used the debate to fur- ther introduce himself to Montana vot- ers. Gianforte called himself a success- ful businessman with the know-how to develop jobs and raise wages.
Bullock, who is making a bid for a second term, cast himself as a Montana native who is running on his record of protecting public lands and access to shing streams while touting his e orts on the state’s economy.
Neither strayed far from the lines of attack they have used during the early months of the campaign and stayed on message on key areas of di erence.
The most pointed exchange was over a disputed, but long settled, easement on Gianforte’s property in Bozeman that Bullock’s campaign has seized upon to paint Gianforte as a wealthy property owner who sought to deny public access to a stretch of the East Gallatin River.
Gianforte challenged Bullock’s account of the controversy, which dates back to 2009, saying he has never blocked access to the river. He says it was a gov- ernment mistake about the location of an easement running through his property.
“Governor, I invite you to come out and sh, but you haven’t come out yet. You’re welcomed,” Gianforte said.
To which Bullock, later responded: “Thanks for the invitation. But the beauty is, that’s a public right of way. I don’t need your permission.”
It was one of few zingers in the hour- long debate sponsored by the Montana Broadcasters Association.
Both candidates gamely and com- petently answered questions posed by a three-member panel of broadcasters during the debate carried live on radio and by some television stations. The question-and-answer format left lit- tle opportunity for both candidates to engage aggressively with one another.
“There were no knock-out blows,” said David Parker, a professor of political sci- ence at Montana State University.
BILLINGS
7. White House Says Coal Royalty
Hike Would Have Modest E ect
A White House report says a sharp hike in royalty rates for companies that mine coal from federal lands across the West would trigger only modest reduc- tions in U.S. coal production.
The report comes after the Obama administration halted new sales of fed- eral coal leases while o cials determine if longstanding royalty rates shortchange taxpayers.
The White Council of Economic Advisers says more than doubling the royalty rate would reduce mining from federal lands by just 7 percent. It says such a move would cut emission from burning coal and bring as much as $730 million annually in new revenue.
The coal industry and its supporters oppose the moratorium. They say higher royalties will force companies into job cuts.
House Natural Resources Commit- tee Chairman Rob Bishop dismissed the report as “propaganda.”
The Club’s
Private Reserve Cut Angus
VA spokesman Mike Garcia says Ginn- ity will remain at Fort Harrison until his July 8 resignation takes e ect, helping Berger with the transition and writing reports for VA o cials in Washington.
Berger is the director of the VA’s health care system in Sheridan, Wyoming. She is expected to return to that job after her Montana assignment.
Ginnity did not specify a reason for his resignation.
The agency is conducting an internal investigation into leadership misconduct allegations at Fort Harrison. Garcia says Ginnity’s resignation is unrelated to the investigation.
BIG SKY
6. Montana Gov. Bullock, Challenger
Gianforte Hold First Debate
Gov. Steve Bullock and his Republican challenger, Bozeman businessman Greg Gianforte, tussled June 26 over the econ- omy, infrastructure, river access and an array of other topics during their rst gubernatorial debate.
Montana Value
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