Senator Taylor discusses start of legislative session, encourages comment

We have had an incredibly rapid start to this legislative session. Last week we started in on the revenue estimate. As you may know, this balances with the spending. Balance is one of the best parts of our constitution.

The revenue estimate is complicated because we have to estimate natural resource production, individual, corporate and property taxes, fees, etc. The projections from the Governor’s office are not too far from the legislative projections.

Last Monday, House Bill 140 was heard in the House Judiciary Committee. This bill expands the chemical compounds, cannabinoids, cathinones, often called “bath salts” that are listed as controlled substances. After what we’ve seen in our area, this is a must.

There are at least two bills to reappraise property values every two years. The Department of Revenue will put a price tag on this change. And, many agricultural property owners prefer a six-year cycle.

We all know that the market is down, so the next reappraisals should be lower. By 2014, the homestead deduction on residential property will increase to 47 percent. This will help a little as well.

Many of us are worried about the federal deficit and their sequestration. The Montana budget is 40 percent federal money, so what they do really affects us. In fact, Montana has already seen a reduction in federal payment in lieu of taxes for forestland and some forest fire shared costs have been reduced as well.

I have extra duties as a majority whip this session. With this responsibility I must review the bills of the senators on my list and discuss what could be controversial. My group of senators is made up of experienced and knowledgeable experts, a great group to work with.

Last Friday we heard a report from the redistricting commission. Looks like Senate District 6 will be very different in the future. You can view the new maps at leg.mt.gov/districting.

Have you gotten your flu shot, yet? We sure have been passing the flu around here!

The best way to contact me by phone is 444-4800. That is the legislator message line. My personal cell is 253-8766, however, as I am in meetings most of the day I am unable to answer my calls immediately. My Helena address is; Senator Janna Taylor, P.O. Box 200500, Helena, MT, 59620-0500.

Please contact me anytime. I will answer as many comments as possible. Never forget, I work for you.

Senator Janna Taylor,

Dayton