Democrats have a lot of responsibility in Helena

With Tuesday's Supreme Court ruling, the power shift is complete in Helena. And so is the shift in responsibility.

Democrats now hold the governor's office and the state Senate, and a Democratic Speaker of the House will preside over the evenly divided House of Representatives.

Republicans have reigned in Helena for more than a decade, and now Democrats will have their chance to steer the state. Democratic legislative leaders say they aim to govern in a fashion that benefits "working Montanans" through better-paying jobs, affordable health insurance and quality education.

But can these goals be achieved without Democrats living up to stereotype? Specifically, are we headed for bigger government and higher taxes?

There is considerable agreement that because of another Supreme Court ruling, defining "quality education" and implementing that definition will be a major task for lawmakers with an unknown price tag.

Gov.-elect Brian Schweitzer has proposed a budget with $2.95 billion in spending over the next biennium with roughly $57 million in additional state funding for schools. Schweitzer's budget is slightly higher than outgoing Gov. Judy Martz's $2.91 billion recommended budget, and his administration contends it is a spending plan that does not require new taxes.

But will $57 million be enough for schools?

Republicans are more than suspicious that Democratic legislators will produce a budget with significant spending increases that will require tax increases. Indeed, Democratic lawmakers have already drafted legislation calling for new or increased taxes on out-of-state corporations, big box stores, video gambling and more, while at the same time proposing multiple measures aimed at property tax relief.

Coming up with a balance will be the majority's task. Gov.-elect Schweitzer has said he will not support tax increases, and he will have the final say.

So far, it appears the Democratic legislative leadership is behind him.

"This budget demonstrates Gov.-elect Schweitzer's commitment to the kitchen-table needs of hard-working Montanans and that Democrats will run state government with the same work ethic, fiscal responsibility, and values applied every day by Montana families," said incoming Senate President Jon Tester, D-Big Sandy.

"We Democrats are proposing new ways to create good-paying jobs. Standing up for working people and promoting Montana businesses is what Democrats are about, and we look forward to working with the

governor-elect and all legislators to do those things," added House Democratic Leader Dave Wanzenried, D-Missoula.

Those are encouraging words. But now Democrats must deliver more than encouragement. They must deliver a balanced budget that will help rather than hinder the state's economy and its people.