LETTER: Is governor taking credit for constitutional duty?

I’m Sen. Janna Taylor and I worked with Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature as well as the last two governors to pass a balanced budget. And we left some extra for a rainy day. Every legislator and governor works to balance our Montana state budget. Why? Because our Constitution requires that we pass a budget, not because we do anything special.

The governor presents the Legislature with a budget. We work on it for the session and then vote. In fact, an ending fund balance, or a rainy day fund, is required. Of course, we all have different priorities.

Our Montana Constitution is superior to that of all the other states because the governor and the Legislature must balance the spending with the expected revenue. That is why Montana is fiscally responsible. Not that there aren’t problems. Our revenue estimate is decreasing. The next Legislature will have to be careful.

But my point? Do not be fooled by Gov. Bullock’s TV ads about his fiscal responsibility. It’s his job. Tell Bullock that in Montana we don’t take credit for accomplishments that are not ours. Thank our Constitution. —Janna Taylor, Dayton Republican, SD6