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Some Infrastructure Bills Are "Trucking" Through The Legislative Process

Jackie Yamanaka

Representative Jim Keane often refers to his infrastructure bills as “vehicles” that he's steering  through the legislative process.  This morning’s stop was at the Senate Finance and Claims Committee.

Keane uses the “truck” metaphor often. He says all of these infrastructure bill are loaded with money to help pay for projects all across Montana to help communities fix their crumbling water and sewer systems and bridges, as well as fund other long range needs.

Keane is the sponsor of House Bills 5, 6, 7, and 11.  All were presented to the Senate Finance and Claims Committee on their next stop through the legislative process.

“So, let’s do your work. Slam the doors shut on the trucks. Let’s get them loaded. Let’s get ‘em out there. Let’s get ‘em running all over the state of Montana dumping off money in every county in the state, Mr. Chairman,” said Keane.

Each bill hearing was brief, in part to advice from the bill sponsor and the committee chairman. No one spoke against any of the bills.

The Senate committee may take action on these and House Bill 9 for the cultural and aesthetic grants on Friday.

Keane reminded lawmakers that even more communities will benefit if a bonding bill passes and is signed into law by the governor.  Friday, the House Appropriations Committee has scheduled a hearing on the Senate’s bonding proposal – Senate Bill 367.