Skees wants Medicaid, worker's comp reforms
Q: A slate of budget cuts were made in 2017 to address a $227 million shortfall caused by less than anticipated revenue and an expensive fire season. What should the priorities be in the state budget in the next legislative session?
A: We should never have been called back for a special session, as the revenue was flat because of the federal struggle for tax relief. Once that passed, the revenues have returned to previous legislative projections. Priorities next cycle will be restoring the fire fund, fixing Medicaid and the Department of Transportation infrastructure spending accountability, shoring up pension liability and doing all of it without raising any new taxes.
Q: Do you support a sales tax or other tax increases as a way to shore up the budget and increase revenue?
A: No, I do not support a sales tax. The state has enough revenue, we need better accountability and transparency on how they spend our money. I plan on bringing a Constitutional initiative for the voters in 2020, which states that Montana has three forms of taxation: sales, income and property, and at any one time it can only have two in effect. This will protect us in case they bring sales tax, and don’t remove on of the others.
Q: Montana’s Medicaid expansion program is set to expire in 2019. Should the state renew this program?
A: No, the state should reform the system. It should be reset to 100 percent of poverty for eligibility, have work requirements, asset tests and drug testing at a minimum to continue in the program. We also need better methods to fight graft and corruption in the system. The expansion harms the elderly and the disabled, as they are reduced in services to make room for folks who could get insurance elsewhere (employers for one).
Q: Which other issues would you like to see addressed by the Legislature?
A: The state needs a stronger plan for school safety, better protection for children in Child and Protective Services, a reformed workers comp system, tax reductions and elimination of the business equipment tax, as well as increased protections for whistle-blowers in state government. We also need to remain vigilant to the proposals of a lame duck governor who dreams of being President and thus wants to cater to the radical left base of his party.
Q: Why are you the right choice to represent your district?
A: I am the proven conservative candidate by my voting record, endorsed by the National Rifle Association and MSSA, as well as the Montana Family Foundation. I have always been a strong proponent for the rights of the most vulnerable in our community from the womb to the end of natural life. I know the needs of the district, which include property tax relief, aquatic invasive species protections in the Flathead and reduction of state regulations which stifle our local business.