State Budget Bill Ahead of Schedule, But Many Other Spending Bills Sparking Debate at Montana Legislature

The only constitutionally-mandated assignment for state lawmakers is to construct a balanced two-year budget, and the 66th Montana Legislature is ahead of schedule.

Butte Democratic Sen. Jon Sesso said on the Senate floor that approving a budget this early is "fairly unprecedented." Last week, senators voted to pass an amended version of a budget 28-21. The House must approve the amendments, and then it will be sent to the governor.

The process of passing House Bill 2, the bill that outlines the budget, begins with a revenue projection and a proposed budget from the governor before the session...