Tester calls on Bush to ‘get serious’ about funding America’s veterans

Senators demand better funding for vets, military in 2008 budget

 

 

Montana Senator Jon Tester today joined several of his Senate colleagues to demand better federal funding of the nation’s veterans and active military.

 

After the Capitol Hill news conference Thursday morning, Tester said “there is no explanation or excuse” for President Bush to overlook America’s veterans.  Tester called on the President to work with Congress to provide critical funding for veterans and current members of the military in the next budget.

 

“We need to make darn sure the men and women who come home after putting their lives on the line for our country get the health care they need and deserve,” Tester said. ”It’s time for our Commander in Chief to get serious about funding our veterans.” More.

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Baucus to Lead Hunting, Fishing Caucus in U.S. Senate

As Co-Chairman Of Sportsmen's Caucus, Senator Looks To Boost Public Land Access

Montana Senator Max Baucus has been picked to lead the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, a group of lawmakers who work to boost access for hunting and fishing across the country.

At a news conference on Capitol Hill today, Baucus outlined his plans to work with the caucus to expand access for hunting, fishing, and recreation.

The Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus consists of senators and congressmen – both Republicans and Democrats – working together with outside sportsmen and women groups to protect public lands so future generations can hunt, fish, hike and do other outdoor activities. More.

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Governor, Democrats: Let’s Support Montanans and MT Businesses

Due to an action by House Republicans on the Taxation Committee, non-residents will continue to be able to evade their responsibilities to pay taxes they owe to Montana. On a party line vote, the House Taxation committee tabled three bills aimed at improving the tax compliance of out-of-state businesses and residents. Republicans also blocked a move to bring up for a debate by the full House of Representatives.

“Tabling these bills has allowed out-of-state businesses to continue to have a competitive advantage over our main street businesses here in Montana,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “On top of that, Montanans are paying higher taxes because non-residents are not paying their fair share.”

Senate President Mike Cooney added, "I think it is wrong for any legislator to vote to allow out-of-state residents to escape paying their taxes. It doesn't make sense, and it’s unfair to law-abiding Montana taxpayers."

“Democrats and Republicans can come together on the issue of accountability,” said House Minority Leader John Parker. “This is not a partisan issue – this is common sense.” More.

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Tester posts daily doings on Web site

Baucus may do the same; Rehberg won’t

 

At the end of each day, Tester posts an outline of his daily events on his official Senate Web site. The schedules list everything from a Lady Griz basketball game he attended to media interviews, working breakfasts and lunches, the names and organizations of people he meets and evening receptions.

Senator Baucus is considering a similar plan.

But Rehberg says Montanans who are interested in what he’s been up to can call and ask for his schedule.

“Denny’s schedule has always been available,” said spokesman Bridger Pierce. “The public can always stop by any of our five offices, call our 1-800 number, and we can e-mail them or fax them a copy of our schedule.”

That’s 1-888-232-2626.  Give Rehberg a call today!

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Baucus Makes Children’s Health Insurance Program Top Priority

As part of his ongoing efforts to ensure that all Montana children have quality health care, U.S. Senator Max Baucus has launched his effort to expand the valuable children’s health care program that provides coverage to thousands of Montana kids.

 

‘‘There is no greater priority for the Finance Committee in the health arena this year,’’ said Sen. Max Baucus. ‘‘It’s No. 1.’’ in Montana, more than 13,100 children are currently insured under CHIP. Nationwide, CHIP covers more that 6.2 million children.

 

Baucus has also called on Montana’s legislative leaders to expand CHIP eligibility in the state, saying he will work on the federal level to craft a program that boosts enrollment in the state.

 

“Still, 37,000 children — one in every six Montana children — are uninsured,” Baucus said.  “Many of these children live on tribal lands.  We must improve access to health coverage for uninsured children, including outreach and enrollment in Indian country.”  More.

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Governor Announces Tax Incentive Package for “Clean and Green” Energy

Governor Brian Schweitzer has announced his tax incentive package for clean and green energy development in Montana. This package is part of the Governor’s clean and green energy agenda.

In the State of the State Address, Governor Schweitzer said, “Montana can and we will lead in clean and green energy for this entire country with our wind power, our biofuels, our solar potential.”

He went on to say, “If we're going to sell power into the California market, we will have to sell using wind power and coal gasification with sequestration.  California will not accept and Montana should not put carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.”

These incentives will also help the development of coal-to-liquid, biodiesel, ethanol and other liquid fuel facilities. More.