Montana Legislature Back In Session

Hi ho, hi ho, it's back to work they go. The 62nd Montana Legislature launches into the 2011 session today with a full plate of issues to cover. From jobs to the environment, the budget to health care; Helena will likely be a busy place.

HELENA — In the shadow of a down economy and a politically split government, the 62nd Montana Legislature convenes today, with lawmakers and Gov. Brian Schweitzer vowing they'll do what needs to be done to boost jobs in the state.

“Our No. 1 job here is to create higher-paying jobs, create opportunities,” the governor said recently. “This is priority No.1, priority No. 2 and priority No. 3.”

Republicans, who control majorities in both houses of the Legislature for the first time since 2003, generally agree with the Democratic governor on the broad goals of the session.

“The major issue that we're focusing on is the economy and jobs,” said incoming House Speaker Mike Milburn, R-Cascade. “The other thing that we believe people are looking for is to have a responsible and efficient government.”

Yet Schweitzer, who has a penchant for needling the opposition, may find himself locking horns more than a few times with Republicans over a range of issues, from the state budget to health care to the environment.

via Montana Legislature back in session - Billings Gazette