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PNS - Tuesday, March 12, 2024 - Biden makes contradictory remarks on support for Israel, Wisconsin's top elected Republican faces a possible recall over election denial and Virginia's governor vetoes a bill to rejoin a nonpartisan voter roll maintenance program.
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PNS - Tuesday, March 12, 2024 - Biden denounces Trump for two trillion tax cuts as he unveils budget plan; housing crisis heavily impacting disability community in Nevada; and new Bill would provide behavioral health services to Maryland minors without a diagnosis.
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By Mark Moran - Producer-Editor, Contact - News
Big Sky Connection - A court ruling has turned back an attempt by Gov. Greg Gianforte to stop lawmakers from having a chance to override a bill he vetoed after the Legislature had already adjourned. The bill, which passed with bipartisan support, would fund habitat programs, road restoration and veterans' services. Gianforte argued it would set a dangerous precedent. Comments from Ken Koehler (COLE-er), former Marine and Gulf War veteran; and Shantil Siaperas (suh-PARE-us), communications director, Montana Association of Counties.
Click on the image above for the audio. Gov. Greg Gianforte vetoed SB 442 after the Montana Legislature adjourned, which could affect veterans' programs and other services. Critics of the veto now want lawmakers to override it. (Adobe Stock)
Mark Moran
March 11, 2024 - A Montana court has denied Gov. Greg Gianforte's attempt to stop the Legislature from having an opportunity to override his veto of a bill that passed with bipartisan support.
The measure would use marijuana sales-tax revenue to fund a handful of key programs. Montana veterans are now asking lawmakers to back efforts to overturn the governor's veto.
Senate Bill 442 would pay for wildlife habitat restoration, environmental programs, county access road maintenance, and veterans' assistance.
Ken Koehler, a Marine who served in the first Gulf War, said he supports the bill and the veto override.
"For veterans in the state of Montana, it goes toward exemptions for disabled veterans who are on a fixed income," said Koehler. "It'll make a huge difference to people like me."
SB 442 had bipartisan support and was backed by hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
In his veto note, Gianforte argued using state funds to support local responsibilities like road maintenance was inappropriate - and said the measure would create a "slippery slope."
Beyond creating property tax relief, SB 442 would add money to Montana's HEART program, which provides veterans with addiction treatment and mental health care - which Koehler said is crucial.
"We send people overseas," said Koehler. "We see things that a lot of people don't see, will never see, have never seen, and it affects us. We need that treatment and that care, that support, when we come back."
Gianforte vetoed the bill just after the Senate adjourned, leading some critics to contend that he denied lawmakers the chance to reconsider the veto.
The court ruling says, "The public interest lies in removing any uncertainties which may lead to gamesmanship in the lawmaking process" - and orders the Legislature be given a chance to vote on an override by March 19.
Shantil Siaperas, communications director with the Montana Association of Counties, called the governor's attempt to stop the Legislature from a possible override of the veto a "frivolous motion."
"Once again, the court instructed the governor to stop playing games and allow the Legislature the opportunity to perform its constitutional duty," said Siaperas. "And we expect the Secretary of State to initiate the polling process as soon as possible."
The Montana Secretary of State will mail ballots to legislators to vote on the veto override.
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PNS - Monday, March 11, 2024 - President Joe Biden delivers his final State of the Union address before the election and Republicans respond. The Republican National Committee gets a new chair and co-chair and George Santos is running for Congress again.
